Taking pre-requisite classes vs CLEP test

I studied for 4 days and took the CLEP sociology and got a score equivalent to a B. I am a good test taker though so it depends on the person.

I CLEP'd Sociology and History of Art (well, that's not a CLEP, it's DANTES). For me that was fine as I only wanted to knock the requirement out of the way and had no burning desire to delve further into the subject.

HOWEVER, I do not recommend CLEPing English, even if you could pass. The most important part of an introductory English class the practice you'll get at writing papers, and getting critique and feedback. If you have a decent English professor he or she will actually correct your papers, comment on them, and maybe give you opportunities to rewrite. Solid English/writing skills are so fundamental to any career you'll go into. Many college graduates can barely write a decent paragraph and you wonder where they went to school and how they were ever allowed to graduate. Don't be one of those. I strongly recommend taking an in-class English course with regular writing assignments.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I agree about English, that it might be a good idea to take that one in class.

What did you use to study for the CLEP tests? Do I need to read a textbook, or will a CLEP study guide probably be enough? Is the test format all multiple choice?

Thanks!

Yes, the tests are multiple choice, except for English which requires a writing sample, I think.

I found the sociology CLEP to be extremely easy. I read one Cliff-notes type sociology text and passed with a 78/80. The arts test was a bit harder, it took me like a month to read the art textbook and I think I passed with a 65. But you may have different options to cover the humanities requirement, some easier than others. I took the analyzing-and-interpreting-lit and it was easy--basically it gives you quotations from poetry or literature, and then multiple choice asking you what you think it means, or what word x in line 3 represents.

Try the REA clep books. You can buy them from any book store, or even E-bay and Amazon for used prices. This is where I usually get mines. they are so much cheaper, and the books are in good condition. I CLep almost 40 credits, and am working on credits for my BSN, for when I pass my boards.

ERIKADAWN,

What subjects did you CLEP, are you attending Excelsior? Im a LPN and ready to continue my education. Had attempted ITT-Tech but couldnt commit to the expensive bill!

I Clepped. Humanities 6 credits,analyzing &Interperting Literature 6 credits, History &social Sciences 6 credits, Intro to Sociology , 3. Credits, Intro to Psychology, 3 credits, Technical Writing, 3 credits, Substance Abuse, 3 credits, Here's to your Health, 3 credits,

principles of supervision, 3 credits. Some of these are Dantes test also. Yes I am doing Excelsior also. I have an overflow for the ASN program, but I plan to go on for my BSN in the future.

I Clepped. Humanities 6 credits,analyzing &Interperting Literature 6 credits, History &social Sciences 6 credits, Intro to Sociology , 3. Credits, Intro to Psychology, 3 credits, Technical Writing, 3 credits, Substance Abuse, 3 credits, Here's to your Health, 3 credits,

principles of supervision, 3 credits. Some of these are Dantes test also. Yes I am doing Excelsior also. I have an overflow for the ASN program, but I plan to go on for my BSN in the future.

Erikadawn,

Thank you for the quick reply. What materials did you use to prepare for the test?

Thank you in advance

ERIKADAWN,

What subjects did you CLEP, are you attending Excelsior? Im a LPN and ready to continue my education. Had attempted ITT-Tech but couldnt commit to the expensive bill!

I am in the same boat as you!! I too tried ITT but the education was not worth they charged, so after 2 semesters & feeling like I wasn't learning anything I decided to go a cheaper & more practical route & joined EC. I too would like to CLEP several classes, definately going to try to CLEP English because last Jan when I took an entrance exam I got a 97% on the English/Writing portion so I figure the CLEP can't be much worse & the CLEP fee is much less expensive than the exam fee!

I used the REA Clep series. You can find them at any book store, or cheaper on Amazon and Ebay. I also used a website www.degreeforum.net, and you can find info on clep tests from those who have taken them.