Nearly 2 Months Back Into School...

Hey all!

I'm coming up on the 2-month mark of being back in school, and let me tell you, it's a wake up call! I'm finding that I actually enjoy being back, something I never thought I would say as I was always the guy skipping class in HS. Since I didn't finish my studies in HS, I did have to take a remedial math (Beg.&Int. Algebra... 16-week 5 cr.) which kind of messed up my first semester. I'm only going to have 6 credits counted towards my degree this semester.

I finished an accelerated 4-week American Federal Government course, that was a mistake. I'll never take a short course like that again - WAY too much reading in too little time, lol! However, I did manage to pass with a 92. Right now I'm just working on my Algebra midterm, with Freshman Comp I starting at the beginning of March as a 8-week course.

I'm thinking maybe during the summer I should CLEP some courses that I already know, since I didn't take much this first semester (wanted to ease back into it).

What are some of the really easy general ed CLEPs? Basic courses that are mainly just a refresh of things I should know. My strong subjects in HS were pretty much everything but English. English and I don't get along too well.

I'm thinking I need to pick up at least 9 credits over the summer to get back on track for graduation in 4 semesters. More would be welcomed though, I'm thinking if I stay on general ed too long I may get bored again, but I want to finish those first so I have more time to check out where I'm going to do my Bachelors and choose the best electives...

So, I'm not looking to CLEP out of everything, yet... Any insight would be great!

Regards,
Ken

 

This is hard to say because what is a refresher to one is new to another. I would say English is a no-brainer. The General Math is really easy also. I thought the Social Science General CLEP was very broad but not too hard. I recommend trying all the general ed ones. What do you have to lose...$60?

Can you also apply DANTES exams? I think they are easier and have a greater option for elective credits. Here are the CLEPs I took:
CLEP English w/essay - really easy
CLEP History and Social Science - not too hard but not really easy
CLEP Humanities also very broad but the Comex study guide prepared me well
CLEP Analy and Interp Lit - found it a little tough but the REA book helped.
CLEP History I - loved the subject so it was easy. Used the REA guide
CLEP General Math - easy and used the Comex guide
CLEP Sociology - easy and fun. Used the REA guide

Hope this helps.

 

I'm not sure what I can use besides CLEP, so that would probably be my first step. I'm pretty sure TCC accepts CLEP as they're one of the testing centers for it..

Thanks for list, Randall!

 

I did three clep tests.

1. Hummanities, covers just about everything. However, I was able to place differing areas together into correct time periods.

2. American Hist I -> Upto Civil War - I did this two years out of high school with no prep. I passed quite well.

3. American Hist II <- from the Civil War - I took this while in the Army and passed it after two years out of high school with no real prep.

 

I'm thinking I need to pick up at least 9 credits over the summer to get back on track for graduation in 4 semesters. More would be welcomed though, I'm thinking if I stay on general ed too long I may get bored again, but I want to finish those first so I have more time to check out where I'm going to do my Bachelors and choose the best electives...

So, I'm not looking to CLEP out of everything, yet... Any insight would be great!

Regards,
Ken[/QUOTE]

Hi Ken! Congrats on your grades!!
General CLEPs are 6, and subject CLEPs are 3. For me, I didn't like the general CLEPs all that much. I think there is just too much to know- it's really like playing trivial pursuit! On the other hand, subject tests are VERY targeted. For example, if you take the Psychology CLEP (psych 101) material is readily available, and this is the type of material that you can almost predict what they are going to ask you. The basics.

There is one 6 credit exam that is usually highly suggested called Analyzing and Interpreting Literature- if English isn't your strong suit, I would RUN far away from that exam. My husband (casual reader- magazine lover) thought that test was right up there with torture. Can you read passages of poetry, old English, classics like Mark Twain- and answer questions about them? Can you do that non-stop for 90 minutes? That's the test. Most people almost run out of time.

You might be able to take the College Math for 6 credits. Technically speaking, it is easier than the algebra you just took, but your college may consider that duplication of credit. Ask first- if not- take that one for sure.

There are a lot of business tests, and those might be more interesting to you.

Overall, there is study material for all of these. You just need to be sure your college accepts the credit for YOUR degree, and that you hook up with good study material.