Which test taking method is best?

Inteljustice · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 09:55 AM

Is it wrong to only take 1 clep exam at a time rather than 2? The reason why I ask is the place where I take the exams allow me to take 2 but for me studying more than one subject at a time is difficult, even though I have a great memory, I just want to maintain a focus on passing one exam at a time, so I don't have to wait 6 months to retake that subject. At the same time I feel like by not taking 2 exams at a time, I'm missing out on the future opportunities of my future career field. Whats your opinion on taking only 1 exam per test session?
Best Regards

highlanderburial · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 10:15 AM

If you can swing it. It's nice if you have to wait for scores like I do. Most of the CLEP and DSST's seem to hover over the same question types. Try related subjects like sociology and psych or crim justice and intro to law enf. Take a few and feel it out.
Good luck!

ShotoJuku · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inteljustice

Is it wrong to only take 1 clep exam at a time rather than 2?

Absolutely not, that's how I did it, just one at a time - every time.

For me, this was never a race, yet I wanted to win thus the phrase "Slow & Steady Wins The Race" became an ever-present reminder to me to take my time, pass my exams, and then graduate with PRIDE from EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

I studied every subject for 3 weeks and then sat the exam knowing that I was fully prepared to pass.

GOOD LUCK!!

Papa Georgia · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 01:13 PM

Most of mine I did one at a time. However, there are some that are related that made sense to me to take on the same day. For example, I took Biology and Natural Science on the same day. I also took Intro and Educational Psychology together.
You have to decide which one works best. For me, one of the main advantages to testing and independent study was being able to concentrate on one subject at a time.

barcotta · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inteljustice

At the same time I feel like by not taking 2 exams at a time, I'm missing out on the future opportunities of my future career field. Whats your opinion on taking only 1 exam per test session?
Best Regards

I don't understand the relationship between the quote above and taking two tests per session. I've taken as many as four tests in one session and tomorrow I plan to take only one. My first session I took two and my last session I took three. It totally depends on the relationship of the subjects and the speed with which you want to finish. In my case, as I looked at the advice on this forum and the flash cards for each subject, it became obvious to me that some of these tests (the psych group) are SO closely related it's almost a DISadvantage not to take them together--or at least in very close proximity to each other. Same goes for the computer related tests. Also, I find that I'm kind of in the swing of things when I get going and I want to keep going! I just didn't have enough time to prepare for a second or third exam this time, so I don't plan to take one. However, I don't believe any of this has any bearing on my future opportunities in my future career field. For me, it's a completely practical and functional decision. I have to take time off of work to take my tests and I want to maximize the fresh knowledge in my head--so I normally try to take at least a few together.

mapalo · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 04:42 PM

Michael
That's very interesting to know that you can even take more than 2 exams a day, it's outstanding. If you don't mind me asking how long does it take you to prepare let's say two subjects that you are going to write on the same day?

Mapalo

Inteljustice · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 05:43 PM

I'm starting to see the point about taking overlapping exams which is great. But for me I think slow and steady will win the race. As with taking only 1 exam, I will have more focus on just one subject and not the anxiety level of trying to pass 2 exams at once. I have to take off work also as I'm a working professional during the week, but for me one exam at a time will work best. I figure I can take one exam every 2 weeks and my main objective was two exams a month so this way might cost more in terms of travel time, but in the end it'll allow me to graduate sooner since I my chances of failing one exam will be slim. As to the point about future career opportunities, what I meant was that in the line of work in which I will enter, the department I want to work for in my state the: DOC only hires during certain periods. Therefore if I was to graduate sooner by taking 2 exams I'd most likely be able to get into that career faster and the opportunity would be greater in terms of promotion because let's say I was to graduate dec. 07, I could go to work for doc in Jan 07 rather than Jan 08 and have 1 year of seniority already built up in my new career. For my career I only need 20-25 years before I retire. Also the place where I take the exams will only allow 2 exams per session.
Best Regards,
Inteljustice

barcotta · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inteljustice

I'm starting to see the point about taking overlapping exams which is great. But for me I think slow and steady will win the race. As with taking only 1 exam, I will have more focus on just one subject and not the anxiety level of trying to pass 2 exams at once. I have to take off work also as I'm a working professional during the week, but for me one exam at a time will work best. I figure I can take one exam every 2 weeks and my main objective was two exams a month so this way might cost more in terms of travel time, but in the end it'll allow me to graduate sooner since I my chances of failing one exam will be slim.

Yep--that sounds like a good plan for you. It's all about what works best for each individual. One of the great things about this forum is you can follow some of the different individuals' methods here and pay most attention to those who seem to work and learn most similarly to you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inteljustice

As to the point about future career opportunities, what I meant was that in the line of work in which I will enter, the department I want to work for in my state the: DOC only hires during certain periods. Therefore if I was to graduate sooner by taking 2 exams I'd most likely be able to get into that career faster and the opportunity would be greater in terms of promotion because let's say I was to graduate dec. 07, I could go to work for doc in Jan 07 rather than Jan 08 and have 1 year of seniority already built up in my new career. For my career I only need 20-25 years before I retire. Also the place where I take the exams will only allow 2 exams per session. Inteljustice

Ahhh. I see what you're saying. Once you're more comfortable, you could pick up the pace and do three per month--still one at a time--if you want to finish sooner.

As for Mapalo's question--most of the exams I've taken 2-4 at a time have been subjects I'm very comfortable with and I treat the groups like one big exam. If you look at some of my previous posts you'll see a little more detail re. each group.

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