Physical Science DSST

[Julie S.]

My son wants to take this in a couple of weeks. What should he study? He has a good grasp of the concepts of physics, just not as strong in the mathematical parts. It's been a few years since he studied physics and chemistry, but he has a good mind and figures much of the stuff will come back to him. But since we can't find any practice tests for this DSST, what can any of you recommend?

He's also working on ALEKS Statistics ;-( He doesn't like math and that's why he wants to study for 2 tests concurrently so his brain doesn't get fried on just one subject ;-)

He just needs to finish these 2 (and possibly one other class) and then he's done with his degree! (Only a half dozen CLEPs/DSSTs - rest were B&M).

Thanks for your help and advice!
Julie S.

[Ruddigore]

From what I've read, this exam is very difficult. If your son has his heart set on it, he should study both a chemistry and physics text very hard.

Is it possible for him to take the Natural Sciences CLEP? There is a lot more information on that one out there, plus it is easier. The Physics CLEP or Chemistry CLEP may also be options.

Hope it works out,
R.

[CLEP101]

Julie,
Sent you a PM.

[cookderosa]

My son wants to take this in a couple of weeks. What should he study? He has a good grasp of the concepts of physics, just not as strong in the mathematical parts. It's been a few years since he studied physics and chemistry, but he has a good mind and figures much of the stuff will come back to him. But since we can't find any practice tests for this DSST, what can any of you recommend?

He's also working on ALEKS Statistics ;-( He doesn't like math and that's why he wants to study for 2 tests concurrently so his brain doesn't get fried on just one subject ;-)

He just needs to finish these 2 (and possibly one other class) and then he's done with his degree! (Only a half dozen CLEPs/DSSTs - rest were B&M).

Thanks for your help and advice!
Julie S.

I have not taken this exam, however a resource he could try is the AP Physics prep material. You'd need to compare the Table of Contents against the DSST guide to be sure it's a match. I don't know if it's algebra or calc based, but that's something to consider before signing up.

[NAP]

I am so glad you heard from Clep101, since he is the only person I can think of who has passed this exam.

I am just starting to think about taking this one, too. Please be sure to share his feedback on the resources he uses.

Without knowing anything about it yet, I was thinking I'd consider some of these resources:

Physics -

Check for Dummies or Idiots book.

I noticed that Cliff’s Notes online has some physics resources:

Study Notes - Physics - CliffsNotes

Glossary - Tools & Resources: Physics Glossary - CliffsNotes

“Cheat Sheet” - Tools & Resources: Physics Cheat Sheet - CliffsNotes

Extra Questions - Ask Cliff: Science Questions and Answers - CliffsNotes

I have liked them for studying Chemistry and Biochemistry, but they don’t seem to cover as much for Physics.


Chemistry -

Chemistry: Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) - Amazon.com: Chemistry: Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) (9780471121206): Clifford C. Houk, Richard Post: Books

Cliff’s Notes online - Chemistry - CliffsNotes

Since he has ALEKS already, he could check out their Chemistry section.

Also, Khan Academy has both subjects - Khan Academy

My best wishes to your son! It sounds like he has a lot of studying ahead but he is so close to the finish line.

[CLEP101]

I am so glad you heard from Clep101, since he is the only person I can think of who has passed this exam.

I am just starting to think about taking this one, too. Please be sure to share his feedback on the resources he uses.

NAP,
Sent you a PM also.
Your resources look like more than enough. I hadn't done Physical Science since high school, about 15 years ago, so I was very green in that department when I attempted it. Still don't know how I managed to pass it. There are a lot of math/science formulas on the exam that I didn't know, so knowing many of the scientific formulas will definitely help.

[Julie S.]

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement! I'll let you know how it goes.

Julie

[NAP]

Thanks Clep101; I sent a reply (finally!).

I haven’t had any physics, yet, so I’m happy to have your tips and approval on these possible study materials.

I’m proud of you for trying this one and doing so well.

[nairon]

I just took this exam today and figured I should share my reactions and preparation for this (sadly ignored) exam.

All in all I thought that the exam was fairly straightforward; but I did have a year of high school chemistry and physics as well as some college experience in those areas.

That said, the exam I had contained 71 questions. I used the REA chemistry guide as well as one of those spiral-bound "Pass Your Class" guides. I've read on here that the Pass Your Class guides are kind of a mixed bag, but the one for Physical Science was pretty good, especially if you had some previous background. There were also flashcards included and 100 multiple choice questions, some of which were quite similar to actual test questions. Some were also quite a bit more difficult than the test questions, but were good practice.

On to my recollections from the exam:

Physics Questions:
-Know how to find missing quantities in given situations (work, velocity, power, projectile motion, potential & kinetic energy) The arithmetic associated with these calculations is generally simple (as no calculator is allowed on the exam)

-Know how to work with units (know Newtons are kg*m/s^2 and how to use units to derive missing quantities)

-Know how to work with Ohm's Law with circuits in series or parallel.

-Know the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and speed of waves.

-Be able to read graphs to interpret situations

Chemistry:

-Be able to calculate atomic mass and use it to determine the number of moles in a substance.

-Be able to balance an equation.

-Know the difference between a physical and chemical change.

-Know the gas laws and how pressure, volume, and temperature are related in gases.

-Know the different types of bonding and how they differ.

-Have a general understanding of the periodic table and which groups certain elements fall (i.e. Neon is a noble gas, Calcium is an alkaline earth metal)

-Know about specific heat.


This all may sound like a lot, but the exam is quite doable if you prepare for it. The material is actually pretty interesting too. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions about the exam.

[MA2]

Make sure your school accepts that CLEP. Of the two colleges I'll be going to neither of them accept that one, not sure why.