I took college math earlier today and as promised in another thread I have some thoughts about this one.

First off Don't stress. This not a difficult test.
Second Excelsior will give you credit toward Social Sciences for this test even if you have already met the math requirement. This was like finding 6 extra credits sitting on the sidewalk.

While I have taken alot of formal math classes, I haven't taken a math class in more than 20 years. I spent perhaps 15 hours reviewing (and that was too much) over 5 days and scored a 73. I'll say it again. This is not a difficult exam.

The exact objectives are listed in the college board brochure and the college board sample test is very representative of what you can expect, both in terms of content and difficulty. I'd save this for the night before to make sure you're ready.

If you need a refresher (or to learn some new concepts altogether) use the petersons book. Everything you need to know is covered in there and probably in more depth than is required. It is also presented (IMO) quite clearly. Take the time and DO THE PROBLEMS.
This is a test that covers a relatively broad area at relatively little depth. A little time with the Wiki to supplement the book, and some time with a pencil and paper and you'll be golden.

If you have the equivalent of high school algebra and trig, and the first couple weeks of a statistics course you can pass this exam. The only topic that is covered that would not be found in these places is logic. Again, learn the basics. If you can solve a truth table for 2 variables P AND Q, P OR Q, and P implies Q you've licked it.

Some observations. The sample questions in the Peterson Book are WAY harder than the real test. If you can do these, you'll ace the test.

A calculator is provided. You probably won't need it.
Bring a pencil. You WILL need it. You'll need to do a little manual figuring, but not a ton. You can do the whole thing on a single sheet of scratch paper probably.

And finally, somethings to be sure you know.

Number Systems.
Know what real numbers, rational, irrational, integers and primes are.
This information is required for a large number of the questions.
Understand absolute value and number lines.

Sets.
Know what the set of all real numbers means. Know the basics of sets.
Union, Intersection and compliment. Know what a cartesian join is (all you
database guys, it's the same for numbers)
Make sure you know what a Venn Diagram (a simple one) is and how to
interpret it.

Logic.
Just need to know the basics.
Truth tables for 2 variables. AND, OR and IMPLIES. It would be a good idea
to understand inverse, contrapositive etc. But probably not necessary.

Functions and graphs

This is an important section, especially functions. Make sure you can do a
simple composite function. Make sure you understand common function
types, lines, circles, ellipses, parabolas etc. Know the 2 forms of the
formula for a line.
Undertand domain and range. Refer to my notes about number systems
for this too.

Probability and statistics.
Reading some previous notes, there seems to be alot of stress about this
The test covers the basics. There are 2 (TWO) pages on this in the
Peterson book and it covers all you'll need to know.
Be sure to understand how to compute probability for related and
unrelated events as well as mean, median, mode etc.

Additional topics
Imaginary numbers.. This one is important
BASIC geometry. Understand area, length and the Pythagorean theorem.
The quadratic formula.. Just memorize it.
Combinations and permutations. This one always drives me crazy but there
is a really good explanation in the Petersons book.

Good luck.

As a companion to the "toughest exam" thread, name your easiest exams. Here are mine:

1. Information Systems CLEP
2. Principles of Management CLEP
3. Principles of Marketing CLEP


I need one more CLEP to fill a 3 credit elective before focusing on the harder stuff like Precalc and Statistics. I have already taken all the 6 credit tests with the exception of American Lit, Biology, and Natural Sciences.

Any thoughts on which of these CLEPs would be easier? Has anyone taken any of these?

I know there's a book exchange forum, but thought this thread would get more traffic over here. I will post this there as well.

Now to the point - Does anyone have a copy of Jack Rudman's DANTES Civil War Study Guide they would be willing to sell (or lend )? They sell for $49 at amazon, but wanted to see if I could find it cheaper somewhere else.

I plan to use this, IC, and Sparknotes to prepare. Alot of people have also said that they used the Ken Burns Video Series, but based on searches I have done here, I think I should be ok with these items.

Thanks!!!

I have heard several people refer to these videos. My library doesn't carry them. Can anyone give me info and maybe a link so I can figure out if they're useful in my quest for education hilarious ?

I studied IC for the last 5 days and took the test today. I feel I passed it but I'd say about 30% of the material was not covered by IC. Overall I think it was a pass, and since DANTES/CLEPs are either pass/fail, I'm not too concerned with the overall scores; my upcoming ECE exams are a different matter altogether. I take A&I Lit Thursday and am doing the Peterson’s practice CLEPs for it now. More to come as the rest of my 5 test results come; it's now been 5 weeks and I have yet to receive one score......:confused: Lee

I'm on for Business Law CLEP tomorrow morning at 8am pacific....wish me luck.....

/Bo

I took the english comp with essay today. I think I did well, but I would like to share my experiance with this test. I have taken quite a few cleps before, and I was stunned how I was racing to finish the first part of the test. I think the essay was fairly timed, but the first part was a marathon. I think the reason for this is, that with this test, you should read through all the answer choices. Its not like other cleps where you can spot a right answer and choose it. In english comp you have to look, many times, for the best answer. This can require you tool read all the answers which can be time consuming. I am just pointing out, that when you study, make sure to test yourself with time also. In other tests, I didnt have this problem. I hope this helps.
Cleps for today-
Microeconomics 57
English comp with essay- pending

I just recently took and passed two CLEP exams - managment and Marketing. I am pondering taking the Principles of Finance. I am scheduled to take the class in the fall, but am conidering taking the DSST exam instead. What is the format of a DSST exam compared to a CLEP exam? Also would you advise taking the exam. The subject itself freaks me out. Thanks in advance