CLEP STUDY GUIDES: Considerations and Descriptions
When looking to prepare for CLEP exams, students have multiple options. Students should consider multiple factors when choosing a CLEP prep method that is best for them. For instance, the student should consider his or her learning needs, learning style, and available resources when choosing how to prepare for a CLEP test. For instance a student who does not have a lot of time to prepare for the CLEP test may become quickly frustrated is he or she chooses to study using a college textbook due to the great amount of time required to read, take notes, and learn the material. A student who is a self-directed, disciplined learner who will devote a certain amount of time per day or per week to studying will likely do well with an online CLEP study system.
Learning Needs:
Does the student possess thorough knowledge of the CLEP test subject or does he or she not know anything about the CLEP test material?
Does the student have a few days or weeks to prepare for the CLEP test or is he or she not needing to take the CLEP test for several months?
Learning Style:
Is the student a self-motivated learner who benefits from independent CLEP study or does he or she learn best with a more structured CLEP prep system?
Does the student enjoy reading through books in order to gain knowledge for the CLEP test or does he or she prefer to use a CLEP prep method in which the material appears in a question-based format?
Available Resources:
Does the student have access to a computer and the Internet?
Does the student have the financial resources to purchase expensive textbooks or study guides or does his or her budget benefit from more affordable CLEP study resources, such as online systems that charge a low monthly access fee?
CLEP study methods:
Various non-computerized methods that students can use to prepare for CLEP tests include:
Textbooks
CLEP study guides
Practice CLEP tests
Computerized and online CLEP study methods include:
Study guides and practice tests on cd and dvd
Online study systems
Downloadable study guides
CLEP Study Guides vs. Practice CLEP Tests
Students frequently wonder what the difference is between study guides and practice tests. Study guides, including ones that are question-based (consist entirely of questions) and ones that include written information about the subject, are a way of teaching the student the material they will need to know to pass the CLEP test. Study guides help students to learn the material from which the questions on the actual CLEP test will come so that they can then apply their knowledge to the actual CLEP test questions. Practice CLEP tests are a good way for students to assess their readiness to take the CLEP test; however, practice CLEP tests are not a good way for students to actually study for the CLEP. Most students do not have a good grasp on the CLEP test material and so taking practice CLEP tests will not benefit a student who has not first learned the subject matter. Practice CLEP tests will provide students with a small sampling of possible CLEP test questions while study guides will help students master a broad knowledge base of the material that can then be applied to a variety of CLEP test questions.
There is a large bank of questions from which each student’s individual CLEP test will come from. In addition, two students taking the same CLEP test will receive a different combination of questions. Because of these factors, it is not possible for students to access the exact questions they will encounter on the CLEP test.
Online CLEP Test Study Systems
Students of all ages, walks of life, and with a variety of learning needs, learning styles, and available resources can benefit from online CLEP test study systems. Using online CLEP test study systems, students can study from virtually anywhere they have a computer and an Internet connection. This feature provides great flexibility when compared to downloadable CLEP test study guides, which are only available on one specific computer. In addition, with an online CLEP study system, the student does not have to carry around heavy textbooks and CLEP test study books.
Most online CLEP study systems are question-based learning systems that focus on giving the student a thorough knowledge of the material from which CLEP test questions will come. Because the course designers carry out the work of sifting through textbooks and CLEP study guides in order to formulate relevant questions, students are not left with the daunting task of trying to memorize an entire textbook or printed study guide.
The College Board publishes exam descriptions, which give students information about what material they need to study in order to prepare for a CLEP exam. For example the College Board states that 15% of the Introductory Sociology CLEP test will come from the topic “the sociological perspective,” which includes the history of sociology, methods, and sociological theory. This information can help students direct their focus and make the most of their study efforts. Reputable online CLEP study systems should offer CLEP test study systems that reflect these CLEP exam descriptions.
Students who use online CLEP test study systems may find that they are unsure how much to study the questions. Online CLEP study systems that feature progress tracking software can be of great benefit to students! Progress tracking software uses a complicated algorithm that monitors the number of times each question is answered correctly and gives students a visual indicator of their studying progress. When a student has demonstrated mastery of the CLEP study questions, the progress bar will near 100% and notify the student that he or she is ready to take and pass the CLEP test!
Numerous students have benefitted from the www.SpeedyPrep.com online CLEP test study system. This study system features progress tracking software, is affordable, can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection, and comes with a four-month “pass or your money back” guarantee. With www.SpeedyPrep.com, Students can prepare for thirteen different CLEP exams for one low monthly fee and take their CLEP test with confidence!