I am currently studying for this one. If anyone has taken it, I'd like to ask: 1)Does one have to memorize all the formulas for the test or are they included in the test paper? 2) Does one get to use a calculator during the exam?
No formulas are given, but you can use a calculator. The staff at the testing center will check your calculator to make sure it is non-programmable. I couldn't find any DSST-specific study guides for this exam, so I used the Princeton Review's "Cracking the AP Statistics Exam, 2003-2004 edition". This edition is out of print, but I imagine the 2004-2005 edition is very similar. Best of luck with the exam!
Oh No!!! Thanks for the info. Having to memorize all those formulas seems like a nightmare that I was hoping to avoid. Does anyone have any tips on this or is it just basic memorizing no easier route? By the way the book I'm uasing is: "Statistics for the Utterly Confused" McGrawHill by Lloyd Jaisingh PHD. Seems to cover most of the material in the Dantes schedule.
... I like the Standard Deviants videos for statistics vol 1,2,3. They are very goofy but they have helpful aids in memorizing the material. www.cerebellum.com
I have found that in any test that requires formula memorization that making a memory dump template helps. You will be provided scrap paper for the test. Take a standard sheet of paper and at home organize the formulas into blocks that can be memorized in chunks. Continue to memorize and rewrite these formulas daily on a blank sheet of paper in exactly the same place and manner. By the time you take your test you should be able to memory dump this info onto your scrap paper as the first thing you do before starting your test. I use different colors and shapes for the blocks and acronyms to help me remember what formulas go in the blocks. One of the nice side benefits of this method is that you can free your mind from the worry of having to remember formulas. Of course you still need to know when to use and which formula. Another recommendation is to take advantage of any breaks allowed to get some air and stretch a little. It also gives you an opportunity to clear your thoughts. Good luck on your test. Regards, Kevin
Where does it say that you are allowed to use a calculator on the DANTES statistics exam? The fact sheet doesn't mention that a calculator may be used. On the contrary, the Principles of Finance DANTES fact sheet expressly states that a calculator is allowed during the exam. Will, you could also try "Against All Odds:Inside Statistics" free online video lessons: http://www.learner.org/resources/browse.html?discipline=0&grade=0&imageField2.x=14&imageField2.y=15 You will need to register for free, though. Dennis
http://www.getcollegecredit.com/pdfs/DSST_CB_2004.pdf Page 13 of the guide states which exams allow calculators and which do not....Stats allows one. Cheers, Mark
Re: ... I second this - take a look on eBay and see if they are selling. I purchased my set for a bargain compared to list price. For those people who can learn from video the concepts are introduced gradually, and you can rewind the tape if needed to review. Cheers, Mark
check out www.degreeforum.com Guitarmark2000 has a terrific DL site which has a great thread on this exam. take a look. This was a tough exam, but very passable. www.degreeforum.com
Very good idea Fed thanks for this idea. The concept of a "memory dump" greatly appeals to me. I will apply this method for memorizing, no matter how long it takes me!!!
Thanks all Thanks to all. It is amazing to see how much the online help from other students can enhance the adult college experience! I looked in the other forum and was taken to the Excelsior Statistics examination brochure: www.excelsior.edu/pdf/Statistics.pdf It contains more statistics problems , and with the detailed resolution which is the main thing. Also I am suprized to read that Excelsior DOES provide many of the formulas in the exam; you can see a big list of them in page 17 of the above brochure!...huuummm too bad the Excelsior examinations are just too darn expensive. They charge the cost of a correspondence course for a simple examination. Yes I know there are development costs for these etc, but really, they are VERY EXPENSIVE. So I will just have to exercise my darn memory (about time too!)