CLEP Natural Science

[wilsoncph]

Ok so I'm planning on taking the CLEP Natural Science test on the 17th of Jan., I've been studying and taking practice tests everyday for a few weeks now. I figured my studying for this test would be half done since the 50% Biology part is essentially the Bio. class that I took my first semester. I came upon this test while trying to figure out how I could get out of my next Bio. class. But considering the Bio. CLEP test counts for two classes and I've already taken one class it was prohibited. I then discovered the Natural Science test, called my University and clarified that if I would receive a passing grade I could drop the Bio. 106 I am now registered for this next semester and have 3 Physical Science and Bio. credits that would take care of the General Ed. requirements. Sounds great.

Now, I am fairly familiar with all the Bio. content and have been studying Physics and Geology and brushing up on my Chemistry etc. The thing is on all my practice tests I am consistently getting half right and half wrong or even worse less than half right and MORE than half wrong so I'm making 50 and 40% on the things. Going over every problem after each test and restudying material doesn't seem to be helping, I am confused as all get out with my progressively lower results. Any test taking advice would be greatly appreciated, I've been using Peterson's and Master CLEP books and have 2 other books I haven't gotten to yet.

Also does IC have flashcards for Natural Science CLEP test? And is there such thing as a 3 credit Physical Science CLEP that I can take if I fail the the Natural Science CLEP (which is looking pretty evident at this point) and end up having to take the Bio. class this semester, but still try and get out of a Physical Science class.

Another thing, with grading, I've just been dividing the # of questions right by 120 is this accurate? And to make a 50 on a CLEP is that making a 62% or a 70%? Any pointers from those who have taken this test would be great.

Thanks.

[nairon]

I took the Natural Science exam a little while after the Biology exam and did find not only a lot of overlap, but also that the questions on the Natural Science exam are considerably less detailed than the Biology test. I had prepared previously for the Biology test and the Physical Geology DSST and took this one without much more preparation. The Peterson tests for Natural Science are absurdly difficult in relation to what I saw on my exam.

If you still need other physical science classes, you may want to look into the Physical Geology and Principles of Physical Science I DSST tests. Like the Natural Science test, there are no IC flashcards, but there are resources out there. I used a college text and a study guide from CLEP | CLEP Study Guides - Pass or Don't Pay! to prepare for the Physical Geology exam, for example.

[Lindagerr]

I passed the Natural Science CLEP in May. I did use the IC Biology Flashcards and the new 2010 version of the REA Natural Science book. I do remember the Peterson exams as being extra difficult. Did you check the exam specific feedback?

[NAP]

I agree that the Peterson's practice tests were difficult for this exam; however, the material covered was useful for the real exam. I'd also recommend downloading the Peterson's CLEP Success free ebook (in the right-hand column) which has review/teaching material for each subject and multiple practice tests. That should help with learning the material for these more difficult practice tests.

[wilsoncph]

I will surely look up the ebook, I guess it's good to prepare with a difficult resource and be pleasantly surprised on test day than use something quite easy and be horrified when taking the real deal.
I haven't signed up to check the exam specific feedback since there were no flashcards for the Natural Science test that I am focusing on. Would you say the feedback would be worth looking at specifically for the Natural Science test?
I've never heard of DSST what are those like?
Thanks.

[slimcustomer]

Its worth signing up for InstaCert just to see what other people say about different exams. I passed using the Environment and Humanity DSST InstaCert Flashcards alone. I think if you review them and the Bio Flashcards, you should be good.

[Lindagerr]

DSST or Dantes are just like CLEP just a different brand, check out DSST - GetCollegeCredit.com

[Aubs]

I have procrastinated long enough and now have to take the Natural Science CLEP. I've started studying it, taking one subject at a time, starting with biology.

I am borderline panicking right now. My last test (Sociology) was supposedly easier than NS and I barely passed (52). I am horrible at science. I just. Don't. Get. It.

I am absolutely terrified of flunking, especially a hard test like this that I would have to re-study for six months from now. I just want to get it over with and never have to see it again.

There is so much information and I already feel frustrated. I have flashcards, I have the CLEP study guide and an AP biology textbook (that is HUGE) but I'm having a hard time making myself study, remembering things...and convincing myself that I'll pass.

Please. Help.

[djendjim]

I passed the Psychology, Sociology and College Composition all with flying colors. Then I studied one month for the Natural Sciences and got a 46. It is very hard. There is so much information for a social scineces person like me. It really was all foreign. I had to try, but I knew it was iffy for me.

My advice is do not take it until you really have a grasp of the material. I am so close to graduation now, that I just have to take the class. It doesn't make sense to wait 6 months.

Most of the material online is for the biology portion, but you need to have a grasp on the physical sciences too. That is where I believe that I could have done better. Peterson's is a good place to start.

Good Luck!!

[Aubs]

Oh that's scary. Okay, definitely will check out Peterson's. I will find every resource available if it get's me a passing score. I don't care if it's 50, I just never want to even think about it again.

Thank you for your help!! I appreciate it immensely!