US History II CLEP help

[vickyvicky]

Hi, I am trying to attack this exam and I order the REA book, but I have not been to school in a while, so this book has so many terms that I don't understand. Any advice on other textbooks I can study from? Thanks

[Lyanne]

I'm studying the same subject now, and am using the Complete Idiot's Guide to American History (2nd half, starting with part 5). I actually have a question posted somewhere else here asking if anyone has used it as a resource, and have not heard yet, but I used the first half to study for US History I and along with the flashcards here, passed the test.

[Sheriffsdeputy]

LYANNE,
I am wondering how long you studied for U.S. History 1 before you tested? I wanna knock it out, but don't want to go running in premature. ON the same hand I don't want to drag it out forever. Just wonder how hard you thought the test was compared to the flash cards?

Thanks.

[Lyanne]

I would say the test was easy if you had the flashcards down. I read the first half of the book, then kept going through the flashcards till I was scoring high. I took 3 weeks, because I always schedule my test ahead of time (otherwise I'd drag out my studying) but I really felt that I was ready at 2 weeks.

[clep3705]

so this book has so many terms that I don't understand. Any advice on other textbooks I can study from? Thanks

If you don't know something, look it up. That makes the learning process more active. You'll retain things better.

You need to know what a settlement house is. Use this as your search string:

wikipedia settlement house

The advantage of searching this way is that the Wikipedia articles are usually short and often have pictures to engage more of your senses.

Passive reading isn't effective. The REA book and its practice tests coupled with Wikipedia searches will get you where you need to be. I read many things on Wikipedia.

[NAP]

Hi, I am trying to attack this exam and I order the REA book, but I have not been to school in a while, so this book has so many terms that I don't understand. Any advice on other textbooks I can study from? Thanks

When I start to study for a new exam, I often have to remind myself that I am not expected to know anything, yet. I need to give myself the chance to study and learn the material first.

The REA book with practice tests is a good starting point for this exam.

[vickyvicky]

Thanks all of you, I really appreciate it

[Sheriffsdeputy]

Lyanne,
Thanks, I have the cards down pretty well, but I suck at testing so, I didn't want to go storming into a building to quickly without my guns loaded.

[picklejuice]

VickyVicky and Lyanne,

I took the test yesterday. I scored a 58. I usually don't post, because everyone's study methods are different. With this test, I was tired of using the IC Flashcards (they take forever!) So here is what I did:

I read this online history book American History [ushistory.org]

I started with #35 Reconstruction and took a few notes as I went along.

The next week I took the 2 REA practice tests.

Then last, I looked up all of the things that people have posted for this test in the last year on the specific feedback.

I am telling you this, because I did NOT read any flashcards. I did not read the REA book (only practice tests). Also I did not do the Peterson's tests.

I think the web link listed above is great reading and the REA practice tests from the book are great. After reading the website listed above, taking the 2 practice tests, and looking up the forum posts, I can tell you that you will be ready for the test.

All in all, 2 weekends to prepare for this test, and I didn't overstudy for the test.

[Lyanne]

Thanks picklejuice!