Studying: Books vs. Online?

Discussion in 'CLEP, DANTES, and Other Exams for Credit' started by Griffin, Jan 27, 2009.

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  1. Griffin

    Griffin Crazy About Psychology

    After comparing extra testing materials available, I am still torn between CLEP books and online practice tests. Should I use both? Books seem to be more expensive initially, but slightly less expensive overall. Meanwhile, InstaCert and SpeedyPrep are less expensive initially, but only slightly expensive as time goes on (based on 6 month IC membership).

    I love practice tests, but if I buy 3-4 major 2009 CLEP books plus some textbooks, I'll have enough practice tests to choke a pony. I could also do both, but I'm not sure if I'd actually get any extra benefit out of having both.

    What are your preferences for studying? What are your experiences in this area?

    Thanks! You are all awesome! :cool:
     
  2. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Does it necessarily have to be an either/or question. Why not both/and? I say use whatever resources help you to pass your test/class/whatever. :)
     
  3. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    I get most of my books from the public library. I get great study material from the Web as well. This leaves more than enough money for practice tests. Purchasing the official CLEP guide makes sense, because one tends to write in it.

    Phillip
     
  4. Griffin

    Griffin Crazy About Psychology

    Not really. :) I'm just not sure how much I would get out of the study books if I had InstaCert, and vice versa. I am seriously considering using both as necessary. Better than having to take a re-test hehe. ;)

    I'm a bit limited because of budget, otherwise the ~$200 total for both wouldn't be a big deal.

    You make a good point about the official guide Phillip, I will pick it up today. Even though I'm off this semester, I can access the college library so I will see what their selection is for Princeton etc.
     
  5. jackbrown

    jackbrown New Member

    Books are the primary thing to read or learn. But now a days studying online is also necessary... so u can't avoid online study as well as books...
     
  6. Griffin

    Griffin Crazy About Psychology

    Got the official guide and have taken one practice test so far (analyzing lit) and got flying colors on it. :) So that is good. I will take it in March.

    I've been studying online as well, but made the decision (for now) to stick with free resources. I may change my mind in March when I have more money to work with.
     
  7. Simeon2009

    Simeon2009 New Member

    InstantCert does not actually use practice tests, it uses a flash card repetition method, as I'm sure you know. But to answer your question, I use both online and book study materials. I try to get most of my books either from the public library, or used from Amazon or some place similar.

    I agree that both can be pretty expensive. That's why I try to get the best bang for my buck. :)
     
  8. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    I wouldn't decide until you hit each test. Some require more feedback than others. For example, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature (in my opinion) isn't worth the $20 Peterson's or the REA guide. Comprehension is comprehension.
    College Math would be worth a practice test, but the information is SO available for free, that a little research could save you a bundle. Additionally, if you bomb the practice tests, you will need more than a bundle of more practice tests LOL.
    Finally, when I took the battery of social science exams, I found the REA guides right on target. I used them exclusively from that point on. REA guides have practice exams, so no need for Peterson's.
    I ended up not using IC more than a month- I did buy the CLEP official book for $20. Worth every penny. I also used the internet like crazy (free!) and just took it one test at a time. If I felt shaky, I sought out a test to help me assess my level of knowledge.
    (and yes, I had to set a budget too, so I understand that!)

    Also, there are codes to access Peterson's for free. It's been too long, so I don't have a current one, but let your conscience be your guide. I am pretty sure the IC board doesn't allow posting/sharing codes, but you can find one if you look.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 3, 2009
  9. Griffin

    Griffin Crazy About Psychology

    I'm still finding time to work on the book, but it will be this summer before I really take anything just due to money constraints. LOL, my disbursement for spring is already spent and it doesn't even get for another month! (I'm only allowed to take 10cr in spring, so I only get 75% of my aid for that quarter). :eek:

    Analyzing Lit is still on the list though, and maybe Info Systems. If I can find Info Systems as a course somewhere though, I could use the easy-A. ;)
     
  10. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    Based on comments you made in a previous post about having a strong ability in English, you could probably take Analyzing Lit as soon as you scrape together the cash- you won't need to study.
     
  11. Griffin

    Griffin Crazy About Psychology

    Thank you :) I'm not studying, just holding out until I can wrangle the money together to do it. I may do analyzing lit in April, but I have a huge trip to NJ and school starts so we'll see how it goes.
     
  12. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    Hey Griffin, glad to see you are still around and working toward the goal.

    Phillip
     
  13. SueSquash

    SueSquash New Member

    That's what I do. I've saved $$ by getting getting most of my study material from various libraries or inter library loan programs too. I don't live in NJ but I was able to borrow a textbook I needed from the NJ state library because I'm enrolled at tesc. Most libraries have guides for many of the national tests.

    The last time I was in school for the textbooks put me in debt. It seemed like no nursing textbook I needed cost less than $170.00. Now, this being my second venture in school for a career change I've learned to buy old textbooks on half.com or trade with a friend.
     

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