DANTES going virtual...

[snazzlefrag]

I honestly don't understand how people can possibly take 2-3 hours on multiple choice tests (non-math).

Hi Urbannaja,

It's interesting to hear how different people approach these exams. People have very different approaches to studying for the exams as well.

It's a matter of 'different spokes for different folks'. Everyone is different, and there is no right or wrong in this business...only what works, and what doesn't work.

Taking my time and just leisurely working my way through an exam totally helps to relieve my anxiety. I actually enjoy it. I sit down and get myself comfortable, kick off my shoes...and just relax! I'm done with the exam when I'm done I'm done with the exam...and not a moment before!

Even when I do finish an exam in 45 minutes or so, the knowledge that I COULD take longer if necessary really helps.

My laid back approach to the timing has worked very well for me so far (14 DANTES exams).

I have taken 8 timed CLEPs too...and done equally well on them. So I can totally understand why someone might prefer to just whip through a timed exam and get it over with. I score just as well on the timed exams as I do on the untimed ones. But I personally PREFER untimed tests. I like that there is no pressure, no stress, no clock to beat, just pure unadulterated freedom to prove what I know. I think that's what exams should be...a test of what you know, rather than a test of how fast you can answer the question (that's what TV gameshows are for ).

The bottom line is that it's about what works for us, individually! If something doesn't work for you, then don't do it. If something does work, then stick with it...and for that reason alone, I would rather stick with the untimed version of the DANTES exams. I like having unlimited time, it works for me.

Of course, for those who come after us, they will only have experience of the timed DANTES exams. So they probably won't miss what they never had.

Interesting stuff,
Snazzlefrag