Unixman's CLEP Oddysey :)

Discussion in 'CLEP, DANTES, and Other Exams for Credit' started by unixman, Nov 20, 2003.

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  1. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Sigh. I am still waiting for my score on my most recent TECEP (Business Policy). I am petrified that I blew it. Not because I don't know the concepts, but because I didn't really provide a "traditional" essay format in my essay answers. I tend to write in a "stream of thought" format - lots of dashes and bullet points. Oh well. If I fail it, then I fail it - lol. Too bad Excelsior doesn't still offer their Business Policy exam. The shame!

    However, I do bring good news as well (in the form of a tip):

    A tip for those studying for the TECEP Business in Society exam. If you are using the recommended text book (and you should, it actually is a good read), be sure to visit the manufacturer's web site and download the instructor Powerpoint slides. These are a great way to guide your studies, or just hit the highlights.

    Link:

    http://www.swlearning.com/management/carroll/bas5e/bas5e.html

    They have nice interactive chapter quizzes as well:

    Cheers.
     
  2. Will Makeit

    Will Makeit New Member

    Sorry to hear about the Business Policy.
    Now that I'm studying my distance English Composition course with Colorado State University (aimed at covering Excelsior's Eng Comp requirement) I notice that there are very strict rules of how to write essays etc. Guess that in exams you need to write adhering to these, like MLAs guidelines.

    RULES FOR WRITERS Diana Hacker 8th Ed. is the book I am having to study. It's pretty big, but comprehensive. Use it if you need to polish your essay writing skills for the future.
     
  3. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    The guidelines published in the Diana Hacker book are mandatory reading for the Enlgish courses taught at AMU/APU as well. Sure makes the bibliographic style of notion taught when I was in high school seem quaint by comparison. Like my dictionary I keep Hacker book at my desk at all times.
     
  4. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Formal essays, of course, generally have an opening paragraph, 2 or more supporting paragraphs offering arguments or points, then a closing paragraph.

    The sample answers provided in the TECEP practice exam are short paragraphs, but they don't follow that model. I think they are just looking for well-written, verbose answers.

    I'm hoping that whichever professor grades this thing will be lenient, given the content of my answers. For example, perhaps he/she could give me partial credit? ("Your answer is technically correct, but you could have gone into more detail, or offered more insight", etc.). If I could get partial credit on those essays I am sure I would pass.

    God this is killing me. Time waiting is like a knife in my side. :( I know one thing, I am going to write a lot more on my upcoming Business in Society TECEP lol.

    Cheers.
     
  5. ybfjax

    ybfjax New Member

    Look on the brigher side....

    The worst case senario is that you did in fact fail, and then you must wait 90 days (unless you can get a waiver), and spend another $400 and retest.

    I took the TECEP Operations Mgmt (which was all multiple choice) and obviously it was graded within 24 hours. I failed it the first time, then re-took it right before deployment and passed (thank God :). What an expensive lesson.

    I hurried and took Business Policy/Strategy as I saw it being cancelled and I figured I would need it if I wanted the BS in business from Excelsior. I took that about 4 months prior to deployment. Since it was an essay, it took about 2.5 months to get the score (excelsior only graded the essay ones once a month, and there was a cutoff date. I missed the cutoff date and had to wait a whole cycle!) I can feel your pain. But of course, at the time, I was testing out of a bunch of other stuff.
     
  6. MBAbound

    MBAbound New Member

    Just got back from the CLEP Algebra/Trig exam. I passed with a 56, my worst score so far!!!

    Unixman's study tips were right on. I think I was able to get 75% of the Algebra correct and then mostly guessed my way through the Trig. I really studied hard for this exam (about 80 hours) and I studied the Trig especially hard, but with little to show for it. I found that I had to guess at 2/3 of the Trig questions!!!

    The timer was a critical issue for me, I found myself guessing at questions and marking them in hopes of coming back later. On the Algebra I had about 4 minutes left to go back, which was about enough time to work out 2 of my 8 guesses.

    On the Trig I had no time left on the first section, and about 7 minutes left on the last section (which didn't matter because I was guessing all the way through). By the last 5 minutes of the exam I just wanted to stop the pain and I ended it.

    Thanks to Unixman for all the tips.

    In retrospect I would have spent my time studying more of the Algebra and much less of the Trig. Know the Trig basic functions, identities and relationships. You will have 1 question requiring the Law of Cosines and 1 requiring the Law of Sines. I had 2 or 3 questions on Polar Coordinates as well.

    I took the practice exam in the CLEP book and scored about 50% last night, which was pretty close to my actual score.

    Also when I had to guess and I couldn't narrow down the answers, I just chose "C", not because I think that "C" is a common answer but because I wanted to maximize my chances of getting a guess correct 20% of the time, statistically it might not matter but I just felt that consistently going with "C" was a better plan than nothing.

    I'm sitting at 100 credits now, Intro to Psychology is up next Monday then I am done with CLEP. 4 TECEPS and 2 classes to go.
     
  7. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Congrats, mate! 3 more credits toward your goal ... :)

    Cheers.
     
  8. MBAbound

    MBAbound New Member

    Thanks for everything.
    After the Psych test I will be studying for Business in Society (TECEP) and Business Policy (TECEP).

    I am taking an online class from UC Berkeley for my Systems Design requirement (starts 9/13 until 12/26).

    Then plan 2 more TECEPS (BASIC & QBASIC) and an online class from TESC on Managerial Communications (may try PLA, but I am intimidated by the process).

    Once again thanks for this thread Unixman.

    BTW I spoke to Ellis (NYIT) about their work requirements and the 3 year post undergrad requirement didn't apply when you've already been working for 20 years. So I can put Ellis on my list for my MBA.
     
  9. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Woohoo! I just found out that TESC does, in fact, award partial credit for the essay components of TECEP exams. Handy to keep in mind if you are strategizing for a TECEP ...

    Still waiting on my score, but at least I will be able to sleep at night now - lol.

    Cheers.
     
  10. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Unixman,

    For those of us anxiously awaiting the triumphant finale of the number one DegreeInfo thread of all time, when do you plan to sit your final examination?

    -=Steve=-
     
  11. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Lol, Steve. :) I'm not sure about the number one thread, but it sure has been a fun one to participate in. Just seeing so many other folks getting excited about their own academic pursuits has been such a tremendous personal reward for me.

    As far as my last exam goes, well ... as always with these things, life has a way of throwing in monkey wrenches. I was originally going to sit for it yesterday, but I haven't had as much study time over the past few weeks as I would have preferred. My guess is right now I will try and sit for it within 2 weeks or so. Then, of course, there is the agonizing wait for that final grade - lol.

    Hopefully, I can get that last grade in before the October 1 deadline (to apply for December graduation).

    Cheers.
     
  12. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Just an update - TESC applied my DANTES Principles of Finance exam. I now officially have 114 credits transcripted via TESC.

    Still waiting for word on my TECEP Business Policy score.

    I was planning on taking the TECEP Business in Society exam this week (or next), but I ended up on jury duty. It's a murder trial (bugger!), so it may take a while. We had our interviews yesterday, and today they strike the jury, so I should know whether or not I have to participate. Don't you hate life's little curveballs?

    Cheers.
     
  13. Starkman

    Starkman New Member

    Murder trials...

    Hang in there, Unix!

    Starkman
     
  14. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    And you didn't try to get out of it?
     
  15. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    You are almost there Unixman! Good for you. Hang in there! I am waiting for a bunch of transcripts from various sources. I like to have them mailed to me (sealed of course). Then I put them all in a huge envelope and mail them in, that way I know they will get them all at once.

    I will be applying to COSC. I am going to specify I am interested in the quickest route to Bachelor's(probably liberal/General studies). This will generate at least two different degree plans. I told a counselor this, and he said this was a good idea. He also stated I should be very happy with the results of the evaluation. What does all this mean? I am hoping to only need 10 - 15 credits, if it is more I won't cry about it though. Just want to get it done.

    I will post the results of the evaluation later, probably in month or so. Take care and thanks for always sharing your knowledge!

    Abner :)
     
  16. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Reminds me of the saying, "Twelve people who can't get out of jury duty aren't my peers."

    But then, I suppose Unixman might have felt a sense of civic duty about it. I wouldn't, but I know some people do.

    -=Steve=-
     
  17. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Yes, I do feel a civic duty for jury duty. My thinking is that if I am on trial for something as serious as murder, then I would want someone as fair as me on the jury. But at any rate .... I just try to be as honest as I can, and if I get eliminated based on my answers, great, otherwise, it is what it is ...

    Cheers.
     
  18. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Walla walla bing bang ... :)

    TESC just posted my three credits for my TECEP Business Policy exam. 3 more credits to the pot! More importantly, I am now officially sitting at 117 credits. Just 3 more credits to go!

    I hope to sit for the TECEP Business in Society exam next week ..

    Cheers.
     
  19. Ultimale

    Ultimale New Member

    That's Great!

    Great job Uni!!!

    Your next exam is on par with Business Policy. I used the recommended text and passed it. I am pretty sure I posted the experience on degreeforum. I took them both on the same day. The main thing that I remember was writers cramp. Lots of writing.

    What will you do to celebrate your worthy accomplishment?
     
  20. unixman

    unixman New Member

    Re: That's Great!



    Indeed - I have made a nice compilation of study notes from everyone else's experience. I was also fortunate enough to have one person send me pretty detailed notes they made after they took the exam, so hopefully, that will help as well.

    Breathe deeply ... and then get back out in the workforce :D

    Cheers.
     

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