New to CLEP'ing

[eric90]

Hey Everyone ~

My hat is off to all of you who have tested out of so many subjects - impressive! I am new to CLEP'ing and it seems there is way to much information out there on how to study for the tests.

My question is, if in theory, I go through the IC flashcards for a certain subject and learn them all, would I have enough info to pass the CLEP? I am starting with History of the United States I.

If not, what other avenues/resources would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

[rubbersoul]

That all really depends on the individual and the knowledge they already have in each specific area. IC was all I needed for Computer and Info Systems, but I have a background in computers. I have always had an interest in government, but I am so glad I also used CLIFF NOTES American Government to help pass that.

For History, I would suggest using some supplemental material to help fill in the blanks. Just my opinion.

In general, I'd say start with IC, and if you feel you need more, then get some supplemental materials as well. Personally, I like to have a textbook on hand in case I need a more indepth explaination.

[motuterry]

Rubbersoul is right on spot. The level of prep really does depend on your background with the subject. IC is a great tool however I rarely restrict myself to a single study source.

I have learned to keep in mind that "cleping" is about documenting your understanding of a subject. If you don't know the subject then you'll need to take the time to learn it. Lots of ways to do that, including sitting in a class room as well as self study.

You'll find this forum to be another great source of information. Lots of cool people here who selflessly take the time to offer direction and support.

Best wishes to you on your journey to the degree mountain top.

-Terry

[motuterry]

I suggest, if you haven't done so already, consider joining IC and read the specific threads for this exam. Typically members post resources they have found effective in earning a passing grade. Reviewing member comments has often helped me direct my $$$ and time toward study material that is relevant to the course/exam.

Regards,
Terry

[rileychica]

I am a newbie to CLEP exams as well, just starting last month. I think finding this forum is going to be a great start to your CLEP'ing career!

I agree with the other posters that you should really consider a membership to IC. I used the IC flashcards to pass my CLEP's (with the exception of the Lit classes), and I plan on using IC to study for my DSST exams this month.

I have to say that for the History exam - just about everything that was on a flashcard was on my test. I also used Wiki to put everything into context. I could have passed using IC alone but using Wiki really helped me put some of the bigger events into context.

Also, if you join IC you can use the "specific exam thread" to really narrow in on what to study based on other's detailed notes. I wish that I could remember the content of the exams as well as they did, but unfortunately as soon as I see my score everything gets dumped from my memory!

Good Luck

[eric90]

I also used Wiki to put everything into context. I could have passed using IC alone but using Wiki really helped me put some of the bigger events into context.

Thanks! I have signed up with IC and am working through the US History already. The flash cards are wonderful.

Sounds like you are doing great already. How did you use Wiki? Looking up events as you studied them or just a general overview of US History?

[rileychica]

Thanks Originally I was going to try to CLEP once every month, but after studying for the first one, I realized that it was really hard for me to study for a CLEP and keep up with my regular classwork! So, I decided to take as many exams as I could muster during the break! That way I would one have 1 or 2 left once classes resumed. Thanks to to all the good folks here on the boards, I've gone from a sophomore to junior in just 3 weeks.

As an example to answer your question: If a flash card was about The Trail of Tears - I would Wiki "Trail of Tears" - for some reason reading the lengthy abstract helped the information from the flashcards to stick. I kinda regarded it as character development in a good novel & the more background information I read on a particular subject/person the more likely I would be to remember it on the test.