Biology CLEP Advice

[lannraz]

I need some guidance in exactly how to successfully study for the Biology exam. I am 6 credit hours short of my degree and am required to take 2 lab sciences. I found out, it I can pass the CLEP with a score of 55, then I get credit for these two classes. I'm desperate not to have to drive to campus to attend any labs!:eek:
I've signed up for the flash cards. I've gotten a copy of the posted Biology Guide from these forums. Is there anything else that's helpful? I've been reading a textbook, but it's so hard to push through that when I have about a two week window of opportunity to study/take the test.

Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated

[lannraz]

I also picked up a copy of the Cliff Notes Biology book today at BAM.

I've been reading that the test is harder than most...so I feel a little freaked out in my decision to try it.

Thanks for any input you can offer.

[Ronny]

I passed that exam using the Cliffsnotes from the library as my main resource. Read that little book 8 hours a day for 5 days and you'll probably score higher than I did. (I got a 69 with 4 days of intensive study). I left more extensive feedback in the specific exam feedback thread. Don't sweat it, it's not as hard to learn biology as you think.

[ali4nia]

cliffsnotes 2hrs same day I bought the book, thanks God, got a 55 in one of the hardest Clep out there. hilarious good luck if you can borrow the standard deviants biology it would help you understand better as its more visual, cliffsnotes is good but not a lot of pictures so SD video+cliffsnotes+some peterson tests, is what I suggest you. take it easy and say a lil prayer before hitting the ''report'' button God bless !

[lannraz]

I just wanted to say thank you. I am freaking out a little bit over this one as I have procrastinated myself into a corner. I started on the cliffnotes today - told the family that's my job till I'm finished reading it.

I will look into the libary to see if they have the Standard Deviant videos - that would be a great resource. You liked the Peterson tests as well? I've been considering that but wasn't sure.

Thanks again....

[Ronny]

Lots of forum members here swear by the Standard Deviants Videos so they must be good. I tried getting them from a couple libraries but they didn't have them so I went without. I did well without them, for what that's worth. The Cliffsnotes covers the entire exam in more depth than you'll even be tested on. Just learn the material in the Cliffsnotes and you'll ace this exam. It's really not as hard as you think, it just takes a couple more days prep than most exams because of the volume on information. You'll do great!

This thread will help you focus on which areas to spend the most study time: http://www.instantcertonline.com/forums/...-clep.html

Cheers!

[studyhard]

Here's what I did--and yes, I only had two weeks too.

I got the REA book (you can find it on amazon) and read it through. I took all the practice tests and reviewed the answers. I didn't go through all the IC flashcards ('cause there's a bazillion) but I picked a few areas that I was especially weak on.

I also made myself some flashcards that I drilled myself on over and over of just basic stuff to remember. Things like all the differences between monocots and dicots, the various types of climates/ecosystems, the various classifications and which order they go in (class, species, genus, etc.), the various parts of the cell and what they do, and things like that. This kind of helped me narrow down some of the info on IC.

I also did some reading on sparknotes about cells and plants. I found that very helpful.

Basically, it's about memorization. Memorize as MUCH as you can and as many things as you can. The REA book is your friend--everything you need to know is in there, just don't skim it. Read it, memorize it, make flashcards of it, and do all the review tests a couple times, reading the answers afterwards.

It's a lot of work but it's worth it. Using this method I scored a 69.

Good luck!

[lannraz]

Ronny, Thanks for the link - that looks like a great place to get a few extra pointers - I just couldn't find it on my own

Study Hard - good to know I'm not the only procrastinator....

I've gone through about 9 chapters in the cliff notes book. Making notes. About to see if one of the libraries has the videos.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help.