I scored a 67 on the US History 2 CLEP, the same as I got on US History 1.
Some are convinced 1 is harder than 2, and some are convinced it’s the other way around. Personally, I found 2 a little more difficult than 1. I think it was because I like learning more about early American history than later. But probably also because there were so many laws, acts, and treaties you need to know for US History 2.
There were some question on the Civil Rights era, Black Panthers, etc. The presidents, it can be hard to keep the presidents in order. That didn’t pose much trouble though, not in the overall scheme of things. But, if you’re interested, there is the History Channel’s “The Presidents.” I’m getting it now to watch later. It probably won’t make or break you, and it is a big time investment, but good if you’re into learning for learning’s sake.
I didn’t study any more than I did for US history 1, which was around 10 hours, probably less because I didn’t bother to read from a book this time around. Instead I stuck with the Instant Cards and the specific exam feedback section. The cards were a lot to go through, but they’ve never failed me. It’s funny because I’ve gotten my sister to take a DSST before, using the IC cards to study, and she just couldn’t sit there and go through them multiple times like me. I think it comes down to motivation, she really had no clear aim for why she was taking the test. So think about how awesome life will be once you pass all your tests, to keep that drive!
Every time you power through the cards helps. Get up and walk around, move your body, take a break between decks, spread your reviews out over the week if needed. Other than that, I used the US History 2 forum thread. Reading other’s posts, the information they share, is super helpful. I look up what I don’t know, usually with wikipedia, things like “settlement houses” for example, until I’m familiar with just about almost everything that everyone has posted, enough to increase my chances of recognizing the right answers on the test. It works.
I took some Peterson’s, my favorite practice exams, but when logging in to check my past exam scores, before making this post, I see that they’re not there anymore. That’s too bad because they’re awesome. Also, free-clep-prep doesn’t have a practice exam up yet for this test. It’s always good to take a practice test. If you answer more than half the answers right, you’re ready for the real thing. With an online search, you can find a sample of some tests questions for this one. Or you could get the REA book. Or do like me and find the book at your local book store, sit down in a corner with a notebook and pen, and do the practice tests found in the back.
Though I didn’t use it to prepare for this one, I always think Spark Notes is a good choice of study or review.
Then there is the series of videos I linked to for US History 1 that are relevant for this one as well. They seem promising.
To close, put in the study hours and you’ll pass. I can’t imagine studying more than 10 hours for this one unless a high score was really important to you. Invest your study hours in the right materials and you’ll be good.
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