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+--- Thread: The Truth! (/Thread-The-Truth)
The Truth! - kd70 - 05-20-2009
So, most people just want to know; can you study IC only and pass the exams in a short period of time? No.
Look, I joined yesterday, studied all the questions for about 2 hours and took the test today.
MACRO and received a 43 score.
Most of the questions on IC were not very relevant. Upon returning home, I opened the CollegeBoard guide book I purchased and found those questions to be very, and at times, exactly similiar to the test.
Look, IC can get you somewhat prepared with basic terms, but not enough just to memorize the test questions that IC prepares and take the test in a few hours. I read about people studying for "weeks" and covering multiple test sites to pass these tests, why? Just take the darn course in school. CLEP is for an easy shortcut, if I want to spend that much time, well, I can spend much less time just taking the class in school, get it?
The Truth! - nick94 - 05-20-2009
Welcome kd70!
I know for a fact because I have taken a Macroeconomics class from a college. It took 2 months. If you can pass an exam in a week it is A LOT faster than taking it at a college. Most people do not study for 2 hours before they take the test. That is considered taking it cold and not recommended. Did you take any type of pre-test to see where you were? The Peterson's exams are very helpful and there have been forums on here talking about how to get them for free. Don't get mad at InstantCert for you failing the exam. IC is one of many types of studying resources. Look at some more if you don't have a good head knowledge of something or don't feel ready for especially a complex subject like Macro!
Here is the link for the forum for free Peterson's tests! Free Peterson's Test
The Truth! - nick94 - 05-20-2009
I forgot!
As an IC member you can access the Specific Exam Feedback Forum! Check it out for other member's tips for studying for a specific exam!
The Truth! - brothermike - 05-20-2009
You have GOT to be kidding right?
1. I find it VERY hard to believe that you could read through the "specific exam feedback" section that is available to all paying IC members and then turn around and decide to take a test as hard a Macroeconomics after only 2 hours of study.
2. I also find it VERY hard to believe that after reading the "specific exam feedback" section that you would decide to take a test as hard as Macroeconimcs and ONLY use IC as your study source. As an aside, I took the Microeconomics exam and passed with a decent score ONLY using IC but I certainly studied the flashcards for waaaaaaayyy more than 2 hours.
This leads me to believe that you did not read or follow the advice contained in the "specific feedback section".
The Truth! - Ruddigore - 05-20-2009
Prior knowledge has a lot to do with whether IC will be enough to pass your exam. I myself never rely on IC alone, though with some tests (like American Government) it is probably enough to pass the test. If you are not strong in a particular area, then it probably isn't a good idea to study that area for only a couple hours. The time generally recommended by test-oriented groups such as College Plus is two weeks to study for an exam. The shortest time I've spent studying for an exam was American Government. I spent one week on it until I felt well-prepared.
If your expectation is that CLEP is a shortcut that takes very little effort, you'll probably be disappointed. Every mode of learning will take work. The advantages of CLEP/Dantes testing is that YOU are the one who decides what and how you learn the materials. It takes initiative and a willingness to shop around for the information that will make you proficient enough to pass the test. I hope you continue to use it to the best advantage!
The best as you seek to earn college credits!
Ruddigore
The Truth! - entwive - 05-20-2009
Quote:Just take the darn course in school. CLEP is for an easy shortcut, if I want to spend that much time, well, I can spend much less time just taking the class in school, get it?
Perhaps you just need a reality check? It is unrealistic to do a 2 hour review and expect to pass Macro. IC is not the problem. You are assuming that everyone is like you...which is very far from the truth. Since February, I have completed 100 credits toward my degree. I did this with much help from the people involved here coupled with other study methods. IC has been my best resource. Preparation is the key to success! Try using an actual study plan and you may find the tests more positive!
The Truth! - njdre80 - 05-20-2009
brothermike Wrote:You have GOT to be kidding right?
1. I find it VERY hard to believe that you could read through the "specific exam feedback" section that is available to all paying IC members and then turn around and decide to take a test as hard a Macroeconomics after only 2 hours of study.
2. I also find it VERY hard to believe that after reading the "specific exam feedback" section that you would decide to take a test as hard as Macroeconimcs and ONLY use IC as your study source. As an aside, I took the Microeconomics exam and passed with a decent score ONLY using IC but I certainly studied the flashcards for waaaaaaayyy more than 2 hours.
This leads me to believe that you did not read or follow the advice contained in the "specific feedback section".
I agree with this post 100%. I don't know how long the material on IC is for this subject but on prior exams I studied for you couldn't even go through all the questions in 2 hours.
The Truth! - HoffyCoffee - 05-20-2009
I don't care how smart a person is, if you study for 2 hours for a test for credit you won't pass 98% of the time.
Using one source is never a good idea, and most people here who do pass these tests (including myself) use many sources: from extra textbooks to google and do well.
If you are all about the college experience then go to the physical university and enjoy the grind of 3 months of tests, group projects, presentations and the like, but to say Instant Cert is not a good tool then you are just spreading falsities to users who are just joining and want to get done fast themselves.
The Truth! - ShotoJuku - 05-20-2009
[COLOR="Navy"]If you truly want to pass an exam, one cannot blink their eye's and wish themselves a passing grade.
Once your eye's are open - good and wide, follow my advice to passing each and every exam.
BTW: Twitching your nose will not help either!
[/COLOR][SIZE="2"]
Shoto-Advice:
[SIZE="3"]"[/SIZE]EC[SIZE="3"]"[/SIZE]
"CCU"
"Prayer"
"A Pass is a Pass"
"Slow and Steady - Wins the Race"
[B][I]âSometimes The Easy Way Is Not Always The Best Wayâ
"Passing a Petersons = Conquering a CLEP -or- Defeating a DSST"
"The 5 R's of Study: Repetition - Re-Enforces - Recognition - Recall - Retention"[/B][/I]
"Always be Ready to Release Your Mind & Incorporate the Advice of Others into Your Plans."
"Studying is much like Boiling Water, if it is not Heated Constantly it will Once Again Become Cold Water."
Other Sources of CLEP & DSST Study Material
REA Books, Comex Books, Pass Your Class Guides, Standard Deviants DVD's, Petersons Practice Exams, [COLOR="Gold"]Dummies Books, Idiot's Guides [/COLOR].
[/SIZE]
[SIZE="3"]"[/SIZE]EC[SIZE="3"]"[/SIZE]
"CCU"
"Prayer"
"A Pass is a Pass"
"Slow and Steady - Wins the Race"
[B][I]âSometimes The Easy Way Is Not Always The Best Wayâ
"Passing a Petersons = Conquering a CLEP -or- Defeating a DSST"
"The 5 R's of Study: Repetition - Re-Enforces - Recognition - Recall - Retention"[/B][/I]
"Always be Ready to Release Your Mind & Incorporate the Advice of Others into Your Plans."
"Studying is much like Boiling Water, if it is not Heated Constantly it will Once Again Become Cold Water."
Other Sources of CLEP & DSST Study Material
REA Books, Comex Books, Pass Your Class Guides, Standard Deviants DVD's, Petersons Practice Exams, [COLOR="Gold"]Dummies Books, Idiot's Guides [/COLOR].
[/SIZE]The Truth! - HoffyCoffee - 05-20-2009
ShotoJuku Wrote:[COLOR="Navy"]If you truly want to pass an exam, one cannot blink their eye's and wish themselves a passing grade.
Once your eye's are open - good and wide, follow my advice to passing each and every exam.
BTW: Twitching your nose will not help either!
What about tapping your ruby slippers 3 times? I heard that worked for some people