Degree Plan – BS Math Major at Excelsior

[NAP]

Thank you!!

I will try to keep my degree plan and exam resources list updated for anyone who may need the information. I hope it will be helpful. (I may not have tried REA study guides, Peterson's practice tests, or even DANTES exams, if I had not found this successful and supportive forum!)

It has been a year since I took my first exam. In a couple of months, I will be finishing my associate degree. Then I will start studying for the GREs.

This is my 700th post!

[NAP]

Analyzing & Interpreting Literature CLEP

I relied heavily on my experience with taking many reading comprehension tests and reading literature in English class during my public school education and that came through for me. Since this is not my favorite subject, I was trying to be happy with a passing score, so I was shocked (as usual) by matching my highest score of 78!

Study materials:

Literary Terms - I should have looked at examples of the main terms better and not just the definitions. It would have helped me to recognize them more quickly and saved some time.

Literary Devices

Literary Terms : SparkCharts - I looked up just a few items here.

CLEP Official Study Guide – practice test

If you need more practice with this type of test, I have seen the REA book and the Petersons practice exams recommended. (A lot of people have decided to take this exam without studying. At least, learn more about this exam and decide based on your own background how much study time and materials you will need.)

My exam had 78 questions about 12-15 reading passages, which were 20-50 three-inch lines long. Each had about 5 questions but a couple had 8-10 questions.

The passages are visible for reference on the page of each question. (You don’t need to go back and forth between the pages/questions to look up the answer.)

During the official practice test, I tried different methods of taking the exam, like reading the questions first and then reading the passage. The methods did not change my results, but I felt more comfortable with reading the passage first and then answering the questions.

On the exam, I decided to read each passage and question as it came for better concentration and felt more settled to answer the questions. I consider myself to be a slow reader. I read each passage once and tried not to get hung up on any one detail, since they might not ask about it. I did try to work quickly and kept a pace of about 1 minute per question. That is not enough time to think about things too deeply, which may have been good so that I did not over-think anything.

This is always the type of exam that I have no idea how I am doing. If I had used the other exam technique (read questions first), I would not have had a funny experience. I read a poem and thought I understood it. Then one of the questions told me an important fact about the author. It turns out that fact was what the whole poem was about, which I had completely missed!


Information Literacy – online course – through Excelsior College – 1 credit requirement

The main reason I chose to take the Excelsior course is to have credit from them on my transcript. (It can be taken through other schools, such as Penn Foster, and be less expensive and time consuming.) Now that I have taken it, I am glad I chose to go through Excelsior because of the resources related to the school and virtual library that were provided and explained. I will know about them for when I take an Excelsior research and writing course later.

I already had some familiarity with the topics covered. They chose interesting and interactive materials.

It was a much bigger time commitment with lots more reading than I realized would be involved.

First, there was an introductory course for how to use the “Blackboard” online learning system. Since I have not used it before, I spent about 2 hours on that. It would have been more time, if I had been taking a more in-depth course.

Second, there was a lot of material to read. I am not a fast reader and it took me about 13 hours over 4 days to read it all.

Third, they encourage printing the materials for reference for the 5 ungraded quizzes and final. It was needed for the final. I did this and will keep it all for future reference. It took a whole ream of paper and over 2 hours to print it all. No wonder it seemed like a lot of reading!

Tip: There are some interactive items that require being at a computer, but a lot of this can be printed and read offline (which is easier on the eyes). There is even a printer feature that allows the sections of the modules to be printed together easily.

Fourth, the final is 2 ½ hours long.

Total time was about 20 hours.

I already know a lot about computer/library research “basics” but I did learn more about personal internet privacy, search engine tips, and searching library databases.

When I had some problems viewing the pictures in the modules, the Excelsior librarians were very helpful and sent the necessary information to me.


NFA Q318 – Fire Service Supervision

I needed 1 credit to get to an “even” number to finish my associate degree. I thought this course looked interesting. It took me a total of 9 hours to complete. It has 8 reading modules – Introduction, Stress and Time Management, Interpersonal Communication, Motivation, Counseling, Conflict Resolution, and Group Dynamics. There are about 200 pages of reading, which took me 6 ½ hours. Each module has 20 review questions, which I took 2 hours to go through after finishing the reading for the course. (If you are a faster reader and do the questions right after reading each module, that would cut down the time.) This made the final very easy. It was 25 questions. I don’t know if there was a time-limit, but it took me a half hour. 70% correct is required to pass and the final can be taken 3 times.

I printed the course to take the final and for future reference

The topics were easy to follow and understand. I think it is the type of course that should be available to all college students. Learning how to manage stress and time and being a good leader and group member are important life-skills.

I do not know if I will take any more of the courses that are available through NFA, but here is a link for more information:

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...a-ace.html

[NAP]

College Math CLEP

I studied for 3 weeks. I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, since I want to be a Math major. I got a 76, which may mean that only 4 out of 60 answers were wrong. I am excited to earn 6 college credits for the math I learned in high school!

The exam was much more tiring than I expected and I had to try hard to stay on time. I only had enough time to get all of the questions answered; I did not have time to go back and check the ones I marked or check the others for mistakes.

Materials I used:

REA General Review book (with review/teaching material for each subject plus drills) and SEPARATE REA Preparation book (with 3 practice tests) - http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...exams.html
They were good, but the Trigonometry section was way too deep and the CLEP Success ebook did not even have a trigonometry section.
(REA has a book for just the College Math test available now.)

Peterson's CLEP Success free ebook has review/teaching material for each subject and multiple practice tests.
I read the College Math section of this book and did the review questions. These were good, too. The pre- and post-tests were very difficult like the Peterson’s practice exams.

Peterson’s practice tests – I would recommend working through the CLEP Success materials first. That should help with these more difficult practice tests. To avoid confusion, I also worked through these practice exams one question at a time – do problem, look at answer and explanation, figure it out, and do the next problem. This requires going through the exam quickly and answering all “D” and then going back through the “review section” untimed to do the problems for real.

CLEP Official Study Guide - Practice test
I did very well on this. The other sources had prepared me well, even though Peterson’s can be discouraging because of the high level of difficulty.

The CLEP Sampler can be downloaded from the official CLEP website. This has the calculator that will be available on the test computer during the exam. You can use this to practice at home before the exam and get familiar with the features on the calculator.

If you already have a strong math background, this is a great opportunity to pick up 6 credits in math.


Intro to Computing (72=A), Information Systems & Computer Applications (76), Management Information Systems (73=A)

I have been studying for all 3 computer exams at the same time. It was harder to do this than I expected, but still a wise choice. I am an average home computer user (with no business experience) and had a lot more to learn than I realized.

Please note: I took the old graded (2 digit score) version of both DSST exams. Most people are being given the new refreshed non-graded (3 digit score) version of these DSST exams now. The CLEP test has a new content breakdown for 2010. I believe I took this new version.

I studied for the Intro DSST for 4 weeks. The exam was harder (deeper) than expected. There were a lot of questions for which I needed to know 3 facts and I often only knew 1 or 2.

Study materials I used:

Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 – I should have started here. It has good explanations and pictures for many topics. I read through all of “Computer Basics” and some of “Databases”.
InstantCert – I read all 3 sets of flashcards for the computing exams.
Petersons practice exams for Intro DSST
DSST site – quiz, official practice test, and fact sheet

Then I studied another week for the CLEP exam. Having taken the Intro DSST first really helped. I also started studying for the MIS DSST and that was helpful for the CLEP exam. With all of this studying, the exam was easier than I expected.

Study materials I used:

InstantCert – I took notes on the CLEP and MIS sets of flashcards.
Petersons practice exams for CLEP
Official CLEP Study Guide practice tests for 2009 and 2010
New 2010 CLEP exam breakdown - http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...#post77333

Again, having prepared for the Intro DSST exam and taken notes on the MIS flashcards were important parts of doing well on this CLEP exam.

Lastly, I studied for 3 more weeks for the MIS DSST. I won’t know my score for several weeks, but the materials I used covered the exam topics pretty well. I was glad I reviewed the material from the previous 2 exams also.

Study materials I used:

InstantCert flashcards
Petersons practice exams for MIS
Study Guide by MISin08 - Google Docs – Thank you!
MIS Glossary - DCN: Glossary
DSS glossary - DSSResources.COM Glossary - great reference glossary
Management Information Systems DSST Study Guide - Free-Clep-Prep.com – This was my first time to use this site as a main study resource. I thought it was quite helpful. I used it last, that way I knew which material was important to read and which material I could skip (such as some parts of wikipedia pages).
DSST site – quiz, official practice test, and fact sheet

Having the chance to earn 9 credits, including 3 upper-level, by taking these exams, which do build on each other, is a great opportunity. Thank you for the advice to take all 3 exams, and thank you all for always recommending excellent study resources.

These credits completed my associate degree and started my bachelor’s degree!


French CLEP

I hope to take the French CLEP early next year (2011).

Currently studying with:

101 Languages of the World software – This has 1000 lines of text on multiple topics that can be listened to one word or one paragraph at a time, slowly or at regular speed, with or without translation, and corresponding games.

I got the Schaum's Outlines for French Vocabulary 3ed and French Grammar 5ed workbooks. They look good for this and were recommended, but I have not decided if I am going to really work through them or mostly just read them.

I am also looking at study guides which were written for the AP test, since I cannot find any for CLEP. They have listening practice, which many books do not have. I am hoping there will be some guidance/notes for what is most important to study for an exam. I am going to try the REA book.

I also need some listening practice. - online videos - Resource: French in Action

I was sent this link that looks fun and interesting (Thanks Justin!):

français interactif - by the University of Texas - It has a nice combination of vocabulary and grammar lessons, listening practice, exercises/quizzes, plus short videos.

He has also posted a few more links here:

French Language CLEP Study Guide

The CLEP Sampler can be downloaded from the official CLEP website. This has an example of a listening, reading, and grammar question for all 3 language exams.

Biochemistry GRE

I am planning to study for the Biochemistry GRE for one year and take it in April 2011.

GRE thread - http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...tests.html

GRE Subject Test Forums - GRE Subject Tests

*****Note: Excelsior is currently considering whether to continue to offer GREs for credit. Be sure to check with Excelsior about this opportunity which may still be available! Also check the policies at Charter Oak and Empire State, if you plan to take the Subject GRE for credit.*****

[kgh1021]

NAP how are you planning on getting your math credits?

Are you taking the Math GRE in the Fall?

[NAP]

Welcome to the forum!

Yes, I am planning to take the Math GRE for the credits for the Math major. I hope to be ready to take the Biochemistry GRE next spring (2011). Then I will start to study for 1-2 years for the Math GRE.

Keep an eye on Kaz (this fall) and wb.john (next spring) who are both planning to take the Math GRE. I am looking forward to their feedback on study materials.

We have also seen recently that some online/correspondence courses are available for the major. We expect to find more, if needed.

Are you planning to take the Math GRE and pursue a math major? Are you currently studying for the GRE? Are you already enrolled at Excelsior, so any changes which may be made to the GRE policy soon will not affect you?

I just saw that you posted your degree plan. I’ll take a look at it.

[kgh1021]

If I can get credit for the GRE I will pursue the Math major. If not my plan will be to pursue a Liberal Studies degree and then pursue masters at TX A&M in statistics.

[NAP]

That is awesome! I am interested in their program in Biostatistics. Are you interested in any particular specialty?

Please keep in touch. I’d like to know how things are progressing for you.

[kgh1021]

Mostly I'm interested in applying Stats to healthcare and insurance. Eventually would like to be able to teach at a Community College or College.

[NAP]

I am very pleased that I got this opportunity to study these subjects, since it has been a dream of mine for a long time. I studied for almost one year and it went really well; I am sure it helped that I enjoyed learning the topics. I am still very excited about my good results – score 580, 69th percentile, 12 lower-level and 12 upper-level credits earned!

Note: This was the last chance to take the GRE for credit at Excelsior College. If you are interested, be sure to check with Charter Oak State College (COSC) and Empire State College. They may still give credit for these exams. COSC has not reviewed the Biochemistry GRE. It is not known whether they will give credit for this particular exam. Also, some of the credit awarded for this exam may duplicate other credit in similar subjects, such as the Biology, Chemistry, or Natural Science CLEPs. (Despite this, I am glad I took the Chemistry and Biology CLEPs first. Having seen some of the words and concepts before did help me, but even the “Intro” books I used for the GRE were so much deeper and with a new vocabulary on the same topics.)

I read about 10 books and 5 websites. It helped me to start with the basics and build from there. It also helped to review the material with each new book and get a different perspective on the same processes from each new author. I was happy that most of the books had been published recently. I liked all of them and learned a lot.

I was well prepared for reaching 80th percentile (my goal for full credit) on the real test. I had learned the concepts well; I had also done lots of review and memorization of the processes.


Books:

Molecular & Cell Biology for Dummies - Amazon.com: Molecular and Cell Biology For Dummies (9780470430668): Rene Fester Kratz PhD: Books

Genetics for Dummies - Amazon.com: Genetics For Dummies (For Dummies (Math & Science)) (9780470551745): Tara Rodden Robinson: Books

Biochemistry for Dummies - Amazon.com: Biochemistry For Dummies (9780470194287): John T. Moore, Richard Langley: Books

Molecular Biology Made Simple & Fun - Amazon.com: Molecular Biology made simple and fun, 4th edition (9781889899091): David P. Clark, Lonnie D. Russell: Books

Biochemistry I and II – Cliff’s Notes free online – Biochemistry I - CliffsNotes
(I have printed so much of this site that I should have bought these books, too.)

Lippincott’s Illustrated Review of Biochemistry and companion website -
Amazon.com: Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry (Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews Series) (9781608314126): Richard A. Harvey PhD, Denise R. Ferrier: Books

Lippincott’s Illustrated Review of Cell and Molecular Biology and companion website -
Amazon.com: Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Cell and Molecular Biology (Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews Series) (9780781792103): Nalini Chandar, Susan Viselli: Books
This is a brand new book, which was written by teachers who use the LIR Biochemistry book. I think they have done a great job covering different material. I am glad I have both books. It explained a lot of things that I struggled with in the earlier books.

BIOS Instant Notes in Molecular Biology - Amazon.com: BIOS Instant Notes in Molecular Biology (9780415351676): Phil Turner, Alexander McLennan, Andy Bates, Michael White: Books
(I only had time to read a few parts of this book.)


Websites:

GRE Subject Test forum - GRE Subject Tests

After reading about them, there is something about seeing the animations of these concepts that is really helpful:

DNA Structure - DNA Structure - Contents page

Genetics with virtual labs - Learn.Genetics™

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Biointeractive - HHMI's BioInteractive - Animations
The sections I like are Animations, Click & Learn, and Virtual Labs.

Boyer – Concepts in Biochemistry 3rd edition 2006 – Boyer: Concepts in Biochemistry, 3rd Edition - Student Companion Site

Boyer – Concepts in Biochemistry 2nd edition 2002 - Welcome to Interactive Concepts in Biochemistry

Lehninger - Principles of Biochemistry 4th edition – Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry

Lehninger - Principles of Biochemistry 5th edition – Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry, Fifth Edition

There are 2 website editions for each textbook. The versions have many similarities, but a few differences.


Practice Tests:

REA GRE Biochemistry Test study guide - Amazon.com: GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology with TestWare (REA): Second edition (REA Test Preps) (9780738608341): Thomas E. Smith, Marguerite Wilton Coomes: Books
This is the only study guide available for the Biochemistry GRE. It is not highly rated in reviews, but I learned a lot from the material covered, charts, and practice tests.

ETS – official Subject GRE website - GRE Subject Tests: About the GRE Subject Tests
If you might take this test in the future, keep checking the official site for new practice tests to download. Three official practice tests have been released for the Biochemistry GRE so far. The older versions can be found at the GRE forum (see link in section above).

With all of this study, I was able to get 70-80th percentile on the GRE practice tests. (I had studied a long time – 5 or 6 months – and learned a lot – 7th book – before I started to see some questions I knew on the practice tests.)

To get 80th percentile on the real test, I needed a few more things. I needed to manage my nerves and time better on the real test. I needed a little bit more vocabulary. (I was unfamiliar with 2 or 3 words and did not know if they made an actual difference in the correct answer to the question.) I needed more practice with applying my knowledge quickly to different scenarios. (A large number of questions are asked in a short amount of time.) I also needed more understanding of lab experiments.

Overall, I am very proud of myself for doing so well with this task. I know that others can do it, too. I hope this information will be helpful to someone.

[Yenisei]

Congratulations! 69th percentile is a superb result, NAP, especially when one remembers that the vast majority of those taking this exam have studied these topics at the undergrad level and are going to apply to grad school.

Thanks for the extensive list of the materials you used.