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So, I'm getting ready for my first CLEP - US History I - and I've got to admit that its tougher than I thought it would be. I'm a good student, a great test-taker, I have a 4.0 GPA on the college classes I took many years ago but this CLEP thing might just kick my butt.
I've done a lot of reading, watched some videos, the Hippocampus presentation and worked through the Instacert cards scoring about 90% after a couple of run-throughs. Everything seemed to be going well and I was about to schedule my test but then I took the Petersons tests and scored 55%, 61% and 59%!! You should see how I deal with my kids if they bring home scores like that! I know EC only wants a 50% score to pass but (a) 50% when you get 20% just for trying!?!?!? and (b) I don't like the idea of going into a test with that slim of a margin of error.
What do you think? Should I try the test or study some more?
Cheers
Mitch
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Go take the CLEP.
To pass the CLEP and get awarded ACE recommended college credit, you need to score a 50.
The petersons practice tests are to see your knowledge. You scored 55/61/59. I think you will score 60+ on the actual CLEP. You are ready. Just go knock it out.
Do it.
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Mitchmcc Wrote:I've done a lot of reading, watched some videos, the Hippocampus presentation and worked through the Instacert cards scoring about 90% after a couple of run-throughs. Everything seemed to be going well and I was about to schedule my test but then I took the Petersons tests and scored 55%, 61% and 59%!! You should see how I deal with my kids if they bring home scores like that! I know EC only wants a 50% score to pass but (a) 50% when you get 20% just for trying!?!?!? and (b) I don't like the idea of going into a test with that slim of a margin of error.
What do you think? Should I try the test or study some more?
Hehe.
You don't get 20% for just trying. Getting a 0% would give you a 20. But you're far beyond that. I'd say you're ready. If you want to get in the 70s, you may have to wait until you scoring 70% or 80%, but I would say you'll get a respectable score if you take it now.
Hope it goes fabulous,
R.
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You could probably take the test and pass. Peterson's tests are frequently harder than the real thing...some people on this forum try to hit 60% on the Peterson's before they take their exam, so you're not doing all THAT bad.
FWIW, History 1 is pretty widely acknowledged as a difficult test; you're probably doing better than a lot of people.
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Mitchmcc Wrote:So, I'm getting ready for my first CLEP - US History I - and I've got to admit that its tougher than I thought it would be. I'm a good student, a great test-taker, I have a 4.0 GPA on the college classes I took many years ago but this CLEP thing might just kick my butt.
I've done a lot of reading, watched some videos, the Hippocampus presentation and worked through the Instacert cards scoring about 90% after a couple of run-throughs. Everything seemed to be going well and I was about to schedule my test but then I took the Petersons tests and scored 55%, 61% and 59%!! You should see how I deal with my kids if they bring home scores like that! I know EC only wants a 50% score to pass but (a) 50% when you get 20% just for trying!?!?!? and (b) I don't like the idea of going into a test with that slim of a margin of error.
What do you think? Should I try the test or study some more?
Cheers
Mitch
You won't be going for a 50%, in fact, you won't know your % because College Board scales all the scores. Earning up over 50 on the Peterson's is a good indicator.
Also, keep in mind the randomness of it all- the batch of questions you get could be more or less in an area that you know, so there is always an element of luck involved. Take the test.
P.S. a scaled score of 50 is exactly the same credit as a perfect score.
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10-14-2009, 11:54 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-14-2009, 12:11 PM by Mitchmcc.)
Well I guess I was ready! Took my first CLEP test this morning - US History I - and scored a 74. The real thing was much easier than the Petersons.
BTW, University of Phoenix does not charge anything extra for CLEP tests - just the basic $72.
Onto US History II!
One step closer!!
Cheers
Mitch
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Mitchmcc Wrote:Well I guess I was ready! Took my first CLEP test this morning - US History I - and scored a 74. The real thing was much easier than the Petersons.
BTW, University of Phoenix does not charge anything extra for CLEP tests - just the basic $72.
Onto US History II!
One step closer!!
Cheers
Mitch
Great job Mitch!
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alleycat Wrote:Great job Mitch!
Thank you, thank you. I'd like to thank the academy, the voters, my family, Kanye.......
Must admit - it does feel pretty good. Can't wait for the next one!
Mitch
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B&M Credits
Northeastern University - 22.5 (30 q.h. credits)
CLEP - 21 credits
U.S. History I (74) - Oct 14 2009
U.S. History II (71) - Oct 26 2009
American Government (72) - Nov 5 2009
Biology (74) - Nov 19 2009
Astronomy (67) - Feb 15 2011
Western Civ I (76) - Mar 28, 2011
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Congratulations Mitch! That is a great way to start!
I don't know if it is because it was our first CLEP test or what, but I had the same experience with the Petersonâs exams for US History. I am glad you were able to stick with it and learn from taking them. I was concerned about being more confused so I just read through them for US History II. I have taken three other CLEPs since and taking the Petersonâs practice exams has always been helpful.
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Congratulations Mitch! Great score!
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