Free DANTES Pretests—Limited Time!

I'm probably finished taking DANTES tests, but if you you can use this code then feel free!

Help! I've Forgotten Algebra.

It's OK, don't panic! Unless you're one of those sick people who actually enjoys math, it's completely natural for your brain to clean house on all arithmetic knowledge the moment that high school diploma hits your hand. 

Thank goodness I started studying for the College Algebra CLEP almost immediately after finishing Algebra 2 in high school, before my brain hit the "clean" button and turned every formula in there to ash. I bought the REA book on the subject and dove in, but little did I know that the next year would have to be devoted to plodding through textbooks, pretests, sessions with a personal tutor, and frequent bouts of tears. Math is my arch-nemesis, in case you couldn't guess.

Be forewarned: the Algebra CLEP is not for everyone. There are several points to consider before deciding to take this test, on which I will give my personal opinions here:

1. If you're not a math whiz and want to get credit for Algebra the simple way, I'd recommend a college course. Just go to classes, do the homework, and get a private tutor.
2. If you're not a math whiz and want to get credit the cheap way or at your own pace, consider taking the CLEP. It takes self-discipline, but the advantages are a custom study-schedule and affordability.
3. If you're somewhere in the middle between whiz and non-whiz, then maybe you want to study for the CLEP test so that even if you don't pass it you'll be better equipped to breeze through a college algebra class. This is the middle road, with the CLEP acting as a safety net.
4. If you're a math whiz and don't have the discipline required for self-study, then enroll in a college course, breeze through, and you're on your way.
5. If you're a math whiz and want to skip the stuff you already know, take the CLEP test, then move on to something more advanced if you wish.

Going to a brick and mortar college wasn't an option for me, and I wanted to get math out of the way, so I tackled the CLEP. If you're doing the same, but are hindered by a bad case of math-memory loss, here are some resources that might prove helpful.

The College Algebra REA Guide

This is a great place to get started. Take one of the practice tests and see how well you do, then gauge how far you have to go. Keep studying until you can master most of the problems in this book, and you should be ready to pass with flying colors!

College Algebra Demystified

This is a book I used, and it was awesome! Rhonda Huettenmueller explains complex problems in a beautifully elemental way, and was able to help even my math-impaired brain through the steps of algebraic equations.

Basic Math & Pre-Algebra Workbook for Dummies

If you've really forgotten everything you ever learned,

My Personal Record

As you know, I have the tendency to overstudy. Not everyone has this problem, but I can tell you that it can be debilitating. Spending a month on a test that others pass in one week is almost a sure way to pass, but it can also put you way behind on your goals. 


So a couple of weeks ago I determined to pass the Human Growth and Development CLEP as quickly as possible. 

• Tip #1: Never aim low! Set a high goal and do your best to reach it.

I didn't have a study plan mapped out, though, so my goal of "as quickly as possible" was intangible and therefore hard to quantify.

• Tip #2: Create solid, realistic goals. A goal is specific and measurable. Read about dreams, resolutions, and goals here.  Download this worksheet called The Power of Goals by Dan Miller.

Just Take the Pretest!

This is for those who might doubt the Power of the Pretest:

1. For those who have the tendency to--shall we say--overstudy.

I know what it feels like: you've been studying for days or weeks, beating your brains out over your textbook, trying to absorb algorithms, lists, functions, processes, rules, etc. You've finished the book, you've read over your notes, and you're still not sure you're ready.

This is where the pretest comes in.

The pretest is a God-send and a lifesaver, and whenever I study for a CLEP or DANTES that doesn't have one (these are fairly few and far between) I get horribly nervous. The preliminary test can be a fantastic tool to decide if you're really ready to take the real thing or not. 

Sometimes I'm so unsure of myself that I don't even want to take the pretest until I've burned all the information possible into my brain. If you've ever been like that, don't be! Just take the pretest, even if you're not confident. A personal example: I was studying for the Natural Sciences CLEP (science = not my thing) and even after reading two books was feeling very shaky on my knowledge of chemistry. I took the test, was terrified the whole time, and ended up with a 63!  

2. For those who have the tendency to--shall we say--understudy.