Fundamentals of Counseling - Help!

[NAP]

Thanks for the point in that direction! I had not considered that test because all of the CLEP tests, to me, seemed very difficult. And I have never taken a CLEP test before so I am very reluctant to try it. But, if I pass the DANTES Fundaments Of Counseling in a couple of days, that will leave me with only 6 credits. If I study and pass the Analyzing & Interpreting Literature CLEP test, then I might have a Bachelor's Degree by Christmas after all. I went on the CLEP website and took the practice test for this exam. I did well on the first part of the practice test, but I bombed that other half of it. That tells me what I need to brush up on if I decide to take the test. If anyone else has any ideas, please let me know. Thanks, NAP, for pointing me in that direction! I will look at it more closely! And if anyone has any good study guides for this test, that will help me too. Thanks!

Hi DutchMom!

I actually prefer CLEP over DANTES because there is usually an REA study guide (with practice tests), free Peterson's practice tests, and an Official CLEP practice test. I feel like I have a much better idea of what material I am expected to learn, which I don't get with DANTES.

A&I Lit isn't accepted at all schools, so be sure to check with your advisor.

Please keep us updated on your progress.

[P00057870]

REA does have a book you can use to prep for the Analyzing Lit test. It is quite helpful! Some have even found it available through their local library.

[DutchMom]

Thanks for the responses! I checked with my Academic Advisor today and they told me that UOP would accept credits for the CLEP Analyzing & Interpreting Literature test, but they would only give me 3 credits for it. It seems as though I had taken an American Literature course as an elective when I was earning my Associate's degree. So, I could take it and if I pass it, that would still leave me back where I started. Other than the Fundamentals Of Counseling, I have been approved to take Astronomy and Here's To Your Health. That should finish out my degree. It doesn't make very much sense to me to study for a difficult test and if I pass to only receive 3 out of 6 credits for it. Plus, I'm still out an extra testing fee. I was looking to hopefully finish the 9 credits by Christmas, but, back to the drawing board. I'm studying and concentrating tonight on Fundamentals Of Counseling for my test this Friday morning. Then after I am hopefully done with that, I will assess the situation again. I am really enjoying the discussions on this forum. I was hesitant about posting a message and asking for help, but it has worked out that everyone is very upbeat and open with ideas and suggestions. And again, if you have anything else to add or for me to consider, please let me know. Thanks for everyone's input! It's most appreciated!

[NAP]

Hi DutchMom!

That's disappointing about A&I Lit. Are there any other 6 credit CLEPs that you would be interested in trying?

If you want to try a different DSST, I have seen Technical Writing (3 credits) suggested often. I haven't taken it, but I think there is a website link that many have used. There are no flashcards, but Peterson's has a new study guide that includes this exam:

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...#post91416

Best wishes on your exam tomorrow!

[DutchMom]

I looked at that one, but UOP said that because I did so much writing during my school work that they wouldn't even consider accepting any credit even if I did pass the test. They said that all of the other writing I did for school canceled out the technical writing. Again, back to the drawing board. I'm going to concentrate on taking the Fundaments Of Counseling test tomorrow and then after I hopefully pass it I will worry about my other 6 credits. I'm going through the flashcards for that subject as we speak. I've looked at the CLEP tests, but I never did see anything that I might be interested in. Maybe I'm looking at them from a harsh perspective because I'm so used to the DANTES tests? Maybe I should just stick with my original plan and take the DANTES Astronomy and Here's To Your Health? Again, after tomorrow I will look at this more closely. Thanks for everyone's input. It is extremely appreciated! I'm sooooo close to a Bachelor's Degree I can just taste it! And it tastes gooooood!

[DutchMom]

Well, I took the Fundamentals Of Counseling test, last Friday. And I failed it by one point. I needed a 45 and my score was a 44. I don't blame IC because I wouldn't have gotten that far without IC. I am to blame because I should have studied to blow it out the water, not just enough to pass the test. Now I'm out another testing fee and I still don't have 3 more credits. I need 9. After several good cries and many more margharitas, I have re-grouped and look at other options for my situation. I still have the Here's To Your Health, Astronomy, and I'm also approved to take the Foundations Of Education. I'm also looking at taking the CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature. Even though UOP would only give me 3 credits for it because I took an American Literature class during my Associate's program. 3 credits is still 3 credits if I pass. Again, if I pass. I've never taken a CLEP before so I'm still very leary of unchartered territory. I'm also looking at Human Growth & Development. I think that's a CLEP test. I would strongly caution anyone who is considering taking the Fundamentals Of Counseling test that they have a medical or a psych background or that is the degree field they are going to school to study. If you do take this test, be aware that most of what is on this test is the theories involved with every type of counseling; career or vocational, psychological, family counseling, etc. Also, who came up with each theory. There were also a couple of questions on this test about congruence or congruent. I had never seen this word or terminology before this test. The rest of the test are questions from a counselor's perspective. A few questions on ethical and unethical behavior. Again, my fault for not studying enough to try to blow it out of the water. If anyone has any pointers on Here's To Your Health, Astronomy, or Foundations of Education, please let me know. I have to satisfy the 9 credits by the end of April 2011. And if all else fails and worse comes to worst, I am eligible to take the Substance Abuse test again at the end of March 2011. That's really pushing my luck, I don't want to cut it that close, but if I have to, I have to. Thanks for everyone's input and helpful insights. It is most appreciated! I'm thinking that Here's To Your Health, Substance Abuse, and Human Growth & Development all have similar subject content. Is this a shot in the dark for me or am Ii thinking in the right direction?