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Order of Exams - B2MANLEY - 10-19-2006
Okay...here's the situation. I am a traditional (adult) student attending a B&M school. I have my last core class that will be finishing on Dec. 3...My BS program begins on Jan. 30...This leaves me roughly 2 months taking only one (fairly easy) online class. This is a prime opportunity for me to knock out some CLEP exams. My plan is to try and finish at least 4 exams during this period. I have to take US History I and II for my degree, but the other two can be anything (will probably take business exams as that's what I am most familiar with).
My question is this, would you recommend to prepare for two at a time and try to take them both the same day (or consecutive) days, or prepare for them one at a time (i.e. US Hist I, take exam, US Hist II, take exam, Principles of Mgmt., take exam, etc.)?
Just trying to get my game plan together to maximize efficiency during this time frame. This will be the last break I will get for about a year and a half.
Appreciate any suggestions...
Order of Exams - SimonTam - 10-19-2006
IMO, study for one test at a time. Personally, I've found that I retain knowledge better and concepts mesh together easier, if I'm concentrating on a single subject or test. Since you have approximately 2 months, you could study 2 weeks for each test and then take it. Using this method, you would take 4 tests in eight weeks.
Order of Exams - snazzlefrag - 10-19-2006
SimonTam Wrote:IMO, study for one test at a time. Personally, I've found that I retain knowledge better and concepts mesh together easier, if I'm concentrating on a single subject or test. Since you have approximately 2 months, you could study 2 weeks for each test and then take it. Using this method, you would take 4 tests in eight weeks.
I agree with SimonTam,
Since you only need to take four exams, and have a full eight weeks to complete them, you really have no need to try and cram them all in close together. I would space them out and make sure you give yourself the best possible chance of passing each and every one.
Depending on how well your studies go, you may not even need to wait a full two weeks before taking each exam. You might find yourself being ready to take one every ten days (or even less). In that case, you would have a spare couple of weeks at the end in which you could take more exams if need be.
In your particular situation, you definitely don't need to take multiple exams in one day, because you have absolutely no reason to assume that additional risk. Just take one exam at a time, study until you are ready, pass it, and move on to the next one.
If you had to take 20 exams in the next two months, my answer would be different. But you only need four exams, so I would take my time with them. Make the most of the next two months, and make sure you will definitely pass each one.
Best of luck,
Snazzlefrag
Order of Exams - B2MANLEY - 10-19-2006
snazzlefrag Wrote:If you had to take 20 exams in the next two months, my answer would be different. But you only need four exams, so I would take my time with them. Make the most of the next two months, and make sure you will definitely pass each one.I actually have these four plus 4 more, but I can take those slowly over the next year and a half since I don't really need them until I get ready to graduate.
This is the method I thought would be best, so I'm glad you guys enforced it.
Thanks!!!
Order of Exams - snazzlefrag - 10-19-2006
B2MANLEY Wrote:I actually have these four plus 4 more, but I can take those slowly over the next year and a half since I don't really need them until I get ready to graduate.
This is the method I thought would be best, so I'm glad you guys enforced it.
Thanks!!!
B2,
You might find that you have a bit of extra time towards the end of the eight weeks. So you could possibly be able to get an additional exam out of the way, in addition to the four you have planned.
It would not be unreasonable even to assume that you might be able to take one exam per week. In which case, you could get all 8 exams done in the next two months.
It would depend on which exams you wanted to take, and how fast you can pick up the necessary information to pass each one.
You could certainly pass some of the 'easier' exams with one week of intensive study for each. Which exams do you have in mind for your 'eight'?
Just see how it goes.
Let us know if we can help you in any way,
Snazzlefrag
Order of Exams - B2MANLEY - 10-20-2006
I actually looked back and only need to take 7 exams. Here's the breakdown:
My school will allow up to 30 credits from exam. I have already taken and passed DSST Personal Finance and CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Lit for a total of 9 credits. I have to take US History I and II for my GER requirements, so that's another 6, for a total of 15. Therefore, I will have 15 left which I only need for elective credits (upper or lower level, doesn't matter). These are the ones I am planning to take (please keep in mind, I work in business and IT):
1. DSST - Human Resource Management
2. CLEP - Principles of Marketing
3. DSST - Principles of Supervision
4. CLEP - Principles of Management
5. DSST - Here's to Your Health
Theoretically I can probably complete all 7 in eight weeks, but I'm not the greatest test taker so far. I've already failed two, so I'm a little gun shy. I've been somewhat overstudying for the ones I passed.
Any suggestions are welcomed...
Thanks!!!
Order of Exams - snazzlefrag - 10-20-2006
B2MANLEY Wrote:1. DSST - Human Resource Management
2. CLEP - Principles of Marketing
3. DSST - Principles of Supervision
4. CLEP - Principles of Management
5. DSST - Here's to Your Health
Hi B2,
I think most people here will agree that all of those exams can be placed in the 'relatively easy' category. You have chosen wisely.
Since you are a business-oriented person, you might like to consider taking CLEP Intro to Business Law instead of DSST Here's to Your Health. It is a pass/fail exam, and fairly straightforward if you study Instantcert. I'm not saying you SHOULD do it, but it is something for you to consider.
I found Principles of Management to be the easiest of the ones you have listed above. Although all five of your listed exams could be passed using IC alone (there is also a study chapter for Supervision in the DSST Official Guide book...do you have a copy of it?)
I would take Management and Supervision quite close together if I were you. There is considerable overlap between the two.
I thought Marketing was slightly harder than Management, but still VERY doable using IC.
Here's to Your Health is the only exam that doesn't fit in perfectly with your business forte. But again, it is passable using IC alone.
As I said, the only thing I would possibly change would be to take Intro to Business Law instead of Health. But it's entirely a personal choice which I will leave up to you.
Now that I have seen which exams you are planning to take, I have NO DOUBT that you WILL be able to pull each and every one of them off in the next eight weeks, as long as you apply yourself (which of course you will).
I am feeling very excited for you right now B2.
Please keep us all updated on your progress, and don't hesitate to ask if you need any help with anything.
I have pdf study guides, and my own personal notes (except for the history exams) that I can send you if you think it might help. Just PM your email address and I'll send everything I have over to you.
You REALLY ARE going to do this B2. That's awesome! Good for you!
We're with you all the way,
Snazzlefrag
Order of Exams - B2MANLEY - 10-20-2006
Thanks for the encouragement. I had actually originally thought about taking Intro to Business to keep with the business theme, but had just read where the Here's to Your Health was pretty easy. To be quite honest, after reading your comments, I would rather take the Intro to Business exam. I am more interested in Business than anything else (majoring in MIS), so I think it would be more interesting to me which should increase my chances of success.
I have the official DSST Study Guide as well as the CLEP Study Guide. I also, of course use IC. Anything else that you think might be beneficial would be great if you don't mind sharing. I know you said you had some study material in PDF and some notes. Are your notes in electronic format as well? If so, I would love to have anything you might have that pertains to these subjects.
I will pm you my email address...
Thanks again!!!
Order of Exams - snazzlefrag - 10-20-2006
B2MANLEY Wrote:Thanks for the encouragement. I had actually originally thought about taking Intro to Business to keep with the business theme, but had just read where the Here's to Your Health was pretty easy. To be quite honest, after reading your comments, I would rather take the Intro to Business exam. I am more interested in Business than anything else (majoring in MIS), so I think it would be more interesting to me which should increase my chances of success.
I have the official DSST Study Guide as well as the CLEP Study Guide. I also, of course use IC. Anything else that you think might be beneficial would be great if you don't mind sharing. I know you said you had some study material in PDF and some notes. Are your notes in electronic format as well? If so, I would love to have anything you might have that pertains to these subjects.
I will pm you my email address...
Thanks again!!!
B2,
The exam I was thinking of was actually Intro to Business LAW (a CLEP). But Intro to Business would also be a good substitute for Here's to Your Health. For some reason, I assumed you had already taken that one.
If you do decide to take Intro to Business, I would suggest you study for Management, Marketing, HRM, and Supervision first....and then take Intro to Business. After studying those four exams, you will find Intro to Business to be a walk in the park because it covers a lot of the same concepts but in much less detail.
I have just sent you a package of various pdf files and personal study notes etc. If you decide to take either Business Law, or Intro to Business, let me know and I will send you some resources for those exams too.
Ain't no stoppin' you now.
Snazzlefrag
Order of Exams - B2MANLEY - 10-20-2006
Sorry about that, I meant Intro to Business LAW. I think either would be fine, but I will go with your recommendation. I would prefer to take the CLEP exams because they are computer based (easier for my binary wired mind
). Although, I believe DSST has gone to CBT, but I haven't taken one yet. If you wouldn't mind, can you send me the Business Law notes. I got your pm, and shot you a message back. Thanks again for all of your help...