Course Testing

This post could be adequately titled "Getting Your Freshman Basics Done in 1000$ or Less". It never fails to amaze me just how many students opt out of CLEP or AP tests because they have bought into a number of high school myths about course testing.

• Myth #1 -- "CLEP/AP tests are too expensive."
  I have to take a minute to laugh here, yet this absurd notion is the most recurring reason my peers give me for not taking course tests. Yes, AP/CLEP tests cost around 80$ each, which to a dependent high school student, is no small chunk of change. But consider how much that course would cost you in college. Depending on the cost of your school's tuition, it could save you as much as two thousand dollars per test. 80$ still sounding expensive? On top of that, some high schools offer AP exams to all students at a discounted price as a testing incentive and to disadvantaged students at a tenth of the cost.

  
  

• Myth # 2 -- "CLEP/AP tests are too hard."
  Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to completely abandon this notion - taking an AP test is definitely not a TAKS-esque experience. However, AP/CLEP tests are not scored the same way as regular tests in high school. The recommended passing score on a CLEP test is a 50, and most AP exams require you to correctly answer at least half the questions to score a three or above. Think you could pass with a 50? Then course testing could be right for you.

  
  

• Myth # 3 -- It's my senior year and I don't wanna bother with extra tests.
  Your funeral, friend. AP/CLEP can save you hours of tears and suffering later. Yes, it took me a month of reading and fifty-five pages of typed notes to prepare for the Western Civilization I CLEP test, but I saved myself a semester's worth of work and a few grand in tuition fees. Think of it as academic insurance. And what better time to work on CLEP/AP than your easiest year in high school? Utilize your free time while you can.

Alright, I'll take a test.
Great choice! Begin by researching the exams you want to take (all the information you could ever want is on www.collegeboard.com). Look at the information the test covers, the required skills, and get to studying. IMPORTANT: It is imperative that you research which AP/CLEP tests your proposed college accepts BEFORE testing. You don't want to fork out eighty dollars for a test you don't need to take.

How I Did It:

After deciding the exams I was going to take, I obtained textbooks for each of my proposed subjects. (You can visit your school bookkeeper to do this, or try a local library.) Once I had secured my materials, I simply read and took notes on the chapters that the test covered, made flash cards, and pounded the information into my head. I typed my notes (as I said before, 55 pages!) and put them into a three-ring binder. On test day, I was more than prepared and passed with flying colors.

Know your strengths.
I study best when my materials are well-organized, so I bought a three-ring binder and categorized and typed my notes. I'm also a visual learner and grasp concepts best when I read, so I spent hours in my textbooks. Knowing how you learn best can maximize your potential for passing CLEP/AP exams. Haven't the foggiest what a "visual learner" is? You can discover your own individual learning style here.

In Conclusion:
AP/CLEP testing is all about understanding your strengths and needs. Research what basic courses your college requires you to take, and decide which tests would be best for you. Maybe CLEP-ing out of Calculus is a little optimistic for your mathematical abilities, but chances are there will be at least one test that administers to your strengths. Passing AP/CLEP tests is all about knowing what you can do.

Check this site out:
www.free-clep-prep.com
This site offers user feedback and insight into every single course CLEP has to offer and is a great way to kickstart your study process.