College Mathematics or Algebra?

[pizal]

I was wondering if anyone could help clarify the differences in the level of difficulty of various CLEP tests.

I need 2 more math credits to finish my degree but am not sure if it will be easier to take the college mathematics CLEP or one of the subject specific tests like Algebra.

Would really like to take the easiest possible test to get credit.

Any advice would help. Thanks

[protester]

I have not taken either exam, but judging by the sample tests in the official CLEP guide, it looks like mathematics is broader than algebra. I can't really say which is more difficult because you could have possibly learned much of one without learning much of the other. Look at CLEP: Exam Descriptions and determine which you would be more comfortable with. If you will need to spend time preparing for one, I suggest you go for algebra. Check out a book titled Algebra Demystified (it helped me bring my C midterm to an A final grade and now I have a 100% average in calculus) and Khan Academy is very useful as well.

[Ruddigore]

I was wondering if anyone could help clarify the differences in the level of difficulty of various CLEP tests.

I need 2 more math credits to finish my degree but am not sure if it will be easier to take the college mathematics CLEP or one of the subject specific tests like Algebra.

Would really like to take the easiest possible test to get credit.

I've taken both. College Mathematics is far easier than College Algebra. IC has cards for College Math, but not College Algebra. Using IC, Peterson's & REA tests, Wikipedia, and possibly another source, you should be able to do well on College Math. Check out the specific exam feedback forum for more info.

Hope this helps,
R.

[pizal]

Thanks Ruddigore and protester.

I will consider your advice and research more about each test

[jackzack87]

No question - College math is far easier. I've taken both. If you're not math-savvy by nature, you'll spend far longer preparing for algebra.

I have not taken either exam, but judging by the sample tests in the official CLEP guide, it looks like mathematics is broader than algebra. I can't really say which is more difficult because you could have possibly learned much of one without learning much of the other. Look at CLEP: Exam Descriptions and determine which you would be more comfortable with. If you will need to spend time preparing for one, I suggest you go for algebra. Check out a book titled Algebra Demystified (it helped me bring my C midterm to an A final grade and now I have a 100% average in calculus) and Khan Academy is very useful as well.

[BabyTex]

I was wondering if anyone could help clarify the differences in the level of difficulty of various CLEP tests.

I need 2 more math credits to finish my degree but am not sure if it will be easier to take the college mathematics CLEP or one of the subject specific tests like Algebra.

Would really like to take the easiest possible test to get credit.

Any advice would help. Thanks

I have heard that the CLEP mathematics is easier, but I took the CLEP Algebra and scored a 75. I studied off of the Texas A&M Virtual Math website and it was outstanding. I also bought the pass your class book, but that was the biggest waste of money I have ever spent. I would highly recommend the Texas A&M website because it gives u hundreds of examples and practice questions. Also try Peterson's CLEP, for Algebra it was much easier than the real thing, but if you can pass that with at least a 70% you should be good. I would highly recommend taking the Algebra because it is more focused than the mathematics, but I have heard that mathematics is easier.