How I study for CLEPs

[ryoder]

Short answer:
1. Read the REA book cover to cover - don't get stuck on one concept just keep moving
2. Take a REA practice test or half of it to assess where you are and research ones you got wrong
3. Read degreeforum.net specific exam feedback
4. Do the instantcert flashcards until you get them all right
5. Make a study sheet of the questions you can't seem to remember
6. Study the study sheet
7. Retake all REA tests
8. Take Petersons test(s) - anything you get wrong here should be studied but don't worry about your grade on these tests as they are super hard

My two cents on flashcard only studying.
I have never done this but I have read some flashcards prior to reading a REA book on a topic just to get an idea of how much content I need to know for a test.

I would not recommend flashcard only studying for the simple fact that reading a book is enjoyable. I use the REA books for every test when possible and they are well written and only cover what is on the test. I have found that after a quick reading of a REA book I am getting 60% on REA tests with no actual "studying".

Then I concentrate on knocking out flashcards and then go back to the REA tests to see where I am. I finish up with Petersons tests trying not to get upset if my Petersons scores are low since those tests are too hard anyway.

The key to studying is to get multiple inputs, the book, the flashcards, the forum, the REA tests, the Petersons tests all overlap and reinforce each other.

I hope this helps someone just starting out. Most of you guys probably do something similar to this already.

[claytonordie]

Wow you do a lot more studying then I do. I'll give it a try on my harder tests. (Business law, ethics and statistics.)

[lpn16rn]

Sorry for a silly question but I am new here. You listed all of the exams that you have taken with a fraction after. I can figure out that this is you score but what does each number represent? Thanks! Kathy

[claytonordie]

The numerator is the score I received and the denominator is the minimum score needed to pass. BUT don't half ass like me!! I swear half these tests I thought I was going to fail lol.

[lpn16rn]

LOL! Thank you for clearing it up. I will be happy just to pass the first few until I can feel more comfortable with the formats. Do you find CLEP or DSST the easiest or most straight forward?

[Lyanne]

I agree ryoder. If I used IC flashcards alone I would feel like I was cheating, and cheating myself of an education. I want to learn all the subjects I am testing out of. I can see using flashcards alone in some cases, like if I work in human resources and go through the flashcards for Human Resources Management, or if i am a Civil War buff and use them for the Civil War and Reconstruction. But if the intent is to learn the material, the flashcards aren't enough for me.
My order of operations id slightly different from yours. I check specific exam feedback first, then read the suggested books, taking notes as I go, then flashcards, notes on questions I miss, study notes, flashcards again, and if there's time, I try to read/skim through the book once more.
I'm glad I saw your post because I came here looking for the "passed with IC only" thread. I'm kind of freaking out about the goal I set for myself this year, and was thinking of maybe using flashcards only for some tests. So thanks, you reminded me that for me, it's more than credits. If I don't meet my goal because I'm busy learning the material, I still win!

[ryoder]

Lyanne I couldn't have said it better myself. I would never have mad it this far if I didn't enjoy the learning process and honestly the flash cards do nothing for me. They are a means to an end. The REA books are written by phds that really know how to teach you the most important concepts in a stimulating way.
My favorite part of the entire process is reading the textbook. I really enjoy all of them.
I also read them on the plane, in the car, and on the elliptical so I'm killing two birds with one stone.
I can't wait to read the business policy book when I am through with finance.

[thatbrian]

I would recommend this method or something like it. This is the way that I studied, and it worked for me. Practice tests really help to gauge readiness.

Also, #3 is a must! Pay the the subscription fee; it's the best money I ever spent.

Short answer:
1. Read the REA book cover to cover - don't get stuck on one concept just keep moving
2. Take a REA practice test or half of it to assess where you are and research ones you got wrong
3. Read degreeforum.net specific exam feedback
4. Do the instantcert flashcards until you get them all right
5. Make a study sheet of the questions you can't seem to remember
6. Study the study sheet
7. Retake all REA tests
8. Take Petersons test(s) - anything you get wrong here should be studied but don't worry about your grade on these tests as they are super hard

My two cents on flashcard only studying.
I have never done this but I have read some flashcards prior to reading a REA book on a topic just to get an idea of how much content I need to know for a test.

I would not recommend flashcard only studying for the simple fact that reading a book is enjoyable. I use the REA books for every test when possible and they are well written and only cover what is on the test. I have found that after a quick reading of a REA book I am getting 60% on REA tests with no actual "studying".

Then I concentrate on knocking out flashcards and then go back to the REA tests to see where I am. I finish up with Petersons tests trying not to get upset if my Petersons scores are low since those tests are too hard anyway.

The key to studying is to get multiple inputs, the book, the flashcards, the forum, the REA tests, the Petersons tests all overlap and reinforce each other.

I hope this helps someone just starting out. Most of you guys probably do something similar to this already.