For all of you that are about to take English Comp with essay.....don't get to discouraged because of this post. It is a very doable exam.

I have failed this exam now for the second time. My score was much lower than the first time I took it. My problem is that I can not finish either portion of the exam in the time span given. My GPA to this point has been nothing less then 3.8.....And I can't even pass an English test. Very discouraging!!!!

I have given up on this test. I have three test to complete the BSN. I was hoping that some of you out their had some experience with the TECEP exams. I am thinking of writing the TECEP English test.

The other test I have yet to do is the DSST Statistics. I am extremely worried about this one. I have several study aids for this one (Standard deviants DVD's, Idiots guide. Also, workbook for dummy's and of course IC). However, I am having issues grasping the concepts. I hope that some of you can shed some light on this one for me. I would appreciate any feedback
Thanks
Fred

Hi Fred,

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with your composition skills, and you obviously have a good head on your shoulders. So why have you failed the CLEP English Comp with Essay exam twice? Is it an anxiety issue about this particular exam? Does the idea of a TIMED essay freak you out for some unknown reason?

I bet you would have no problem writing a good strong essay if you were allowed enough time to organize your thoughts and compose it properly. Am I right?

If so, you might be better suited to an online English Comp course which doesn't rely on timed exams. The University of Idaho has an online course which is graded pass/fail and has no exams at all. It still requires a lot of work, but your performance is measured by the completion of five essays over the duration of the course. You can take your time composing each essay in the comfort of your own home. No more timed essays, or potential exam anxiety.

Alternatively, Colorado State University has a similarly organized online course that assigns a grade rather than being pass/fail.

Penn Foster College has an ACE-approved English Comp course which might also meet your needs. There are some open book, untimed, grammar quizzes, but no actual timed exams. The required essays are completed at home, and in your own time. You would need to get this course approved by your advisor prior to registering (just in case your school won't accept it).

As you can see, you do have options Fred.

Where there's a will, there's a way!

Keep going,
Snazzlefrag

__________________
My name is Rob
So far, I have earned 139 credits (12 not used).

Excelsior College
- BS Psychology (15 credits - 5 courses/exams to go)
- BS Business (9 credits - 3 courses/exams to go)
____________
Upcoming: An UL business course of some kind.
In-progress: ENG100 English Comp (PFC)
Most Recently Completed: Tech Math I at PFC.
Exams/Courses Passed To Date (42):
- Courses (3): 1 ECE, 1 CSU, 1 PFC.
- Exams (39): 24 DANTES, 15 CLEP.

Thank you so much for your response. I am happy to know that there are other options. After reading your post, I realize that I get overwhelmed with the time (or lack of ) to complete this exam. As a result I become very anxious and lose my focus. Do you know anything about the Thomas Edison English exam?? I am also looking into this as an option. However, I know nothing about this test. How difficult is it??

Also, I have read the posts regarding the Statistics exam. Any advice would be appreciated......Thanks again for your help and encouragement. It means a great deal.

I am so close to finishing (12 credits). However, it seems that I am never going to get that brass ring. I am afraid that I am losing motivation and patience
Fred

Fred,

I haven't taken the TESC English Comp exam personally. I do have in my possession, however, a report from someone who did take it. Here is a paraphrased version of what he originally wrote.

------
Five essays in two hours.

1) A memo type note (such as leaving instructions for the babysitter)
- 1-2 Paragraphs.
- Recommended Time: 10 minutes.
- 10 points.

2) An informal letter.
- 1-3 Paragraphs.
- Recommended Time: 10 minutes.
- 10 points.

3) A formal letter.
- 1-3 Paragraphs.
- Recommended Time: 10 minutes.
- 10 points.

4) Explain the difference in approach between your formal and informal letters.
- Recommended Time: 10 minutes.
- 10 points.

5) A "well-developed" essay choosing from one of three topics given. "You are encouraged to use personal examples and please ensure that the essay has a beginning, middle and end."
- Recommended Time: 60 minutes.
- 60 points.

You need 70 points out of 100 to pass.
You can use a dictionary.
It is a handwritten/paper exam.
------

Hope that helps,
Snazzlefrag

__________________
My name is Rob
So far, I have earned 139 credits (12 not used).

Excelsior College
- BS Psychology (15 credits - 5 courses/exams to go)
- BS Business (9 credits - 3 courses/exams to go)
____________
Upcoming: An UL business course of some kind.
In-progress: ENG100 English Comp (PFC)
Most Recently Completed: Tech Math I at PFC.
Exams/Courses Passed To Date (42):
- Courses (3): 1 ECE, 1 CSU, 1 PFC.
- Exams (39): 24 DANTES, 15 CLEP.