Civil War & Recon, DSST (UL)

[Gary]

I took the Civil War & Reconstruction today and I should have used the Ken Burns video (never got around to it) or Civil War For Dummies. I used InstaCert, a couple of Civil War/Recon timeline websites, sparknotes and review based on feedback. Out of 112 ques, I feel I knew 50-60 and had a good feeling w/probably 15-20. Still, I don't care what anyone says, InstaCert filled in some gaps, it is useful to learning some of the info but I don't believe you can pass the test (w/out some luck) if you use InstaCert specifically. I used InstaCert a LOT, knew the battles and who was who for the most part and I still see some names and items I've never even heard of. Once again very little sleep before (3 hrs) because I work night shift and was up the day before (birthDay) but I stand by what I say. I'm sure Ken Burns covers some things that InstaCert didn't and I know sparknotes are probably based more for lower level type study. I knew InstaCert very well going in, I looked at it religiously (cut/pasted each ques and even read them during break at work). It's not enough. If someones idea of easy is doing what I did, figuring if I just know 60 ques and have a good idea about 10-15 so I'm in, well then your probably right. My thought is, I don't care how many ques are on the test, if I give a solid effort, I want to know most of the questions, not just enough to get by. Final conclusion; as in other posts, you might want to use Ken Burns video and if not, Civil War for Dummies is more than likely a wise decision. I've taken History, Civ War & Reconstruction and Drugs and Alcohol DSST's and I still haven't met a test I really liked (2 were A's), not for the effort I've put in. Everything else is traditional (1 ECE, World POP-definitely didn't like that and I crammed w/Instacert a lot there)and that is where I'll stay from here on out. There all A's and B's and for me, I'm more comfortable w/them. 5 + math and DONE!......Listen to your seniors :}