DSST Civil War and Criminal Justice

[Shadowless]

Any tips for the Criminal Justice test?

Hello folks, I just came back from taking Civil War and Reconstruction and Criminal Justice DSSTs back to back.

I used the full two hours for the Civil War test and couldn't get to review 4 or 5 questions that I had checked for review. I finished the Criminal Justice test in 1:05 hours. (I guess this explains a bit the difference between UL and LL).

Fortunately, I got a B on both exams. On both, I was one point under the score equivalent to an A (for EC).

What I would like to report is that The Civil War is doable using only IC. The key is to read and fully process the answers on the cards. That's the way IC advises you to do it, but it's particularly true on this test. There were about 10 questions from the 112 that IC didn't cover, however some of them seem that you can work through them (or not, that's probably why I didn't score better). Anyhow, IC is all I used and it worked for me. In my opinion, an A is achievable only with IC. One tip, while you're studying for this test, have a map to look at and follow along. It will give you more of a visual about the way troops were moving and way to relate to some of the main rivers you'll be asked about. I wish I had done it. I thought of this while driving on the way to the test but it was too late.

On the Criminal Justice test, IC also does a good job but I think there were also 10 or 12 questions, from the 90, that were not covered by IC. This is definitely an easier test but, for the same reason, scoring high is more difficult. If you want a solid A on the Criminal Justice, it may be advisable to look at some other sources. There were plenty of questions about the juvenile court system and corrections. Also, many questions on all different case law regarding due process.

The specific feedback section has an accurate description of both tests.
Thanks to all of you who added to it.

Mateo