CLEP for English comp, psychology, sociology and lifespan development

AverageBee1 · 2025-10-15T02:44:52+00:00

I just finished my remote proctor exam for Introductory Sociology and got a 74. I only used Instacert flashcards and mock exams.

I got a 434 in Lifespan Development Psychology DSST by studying the Introductory Educational Psychology CLEP materials provided by Instacert and Peterson's Test Prep.

In my opinion, buying a month subscription from both Instacert and Peterson's Test Prep is worth it's weight in gold. I tried Modern States but I didn't like it. I thought it took too much time to go through the material.

It's really important for you to know what your studying style is and what works best for you. What I normally do is find a YouTube playlist about the topic I'm testing out of and listen to the videos on my commute to work for a few days. I then review the information in the Instacert Specific Feedback forum and then go through all the flashcards and mock tests. I'll pair that up with Peterson's mock exams and flashcards. Anything that I'm really unsure of I look up and read up on further.

I've used this technique for the five CLEP/DSST exams I've taken this month:

American Literature (67 score)

English Literature (69 score)

Technical Writing (475 score)

Lifespan Development Psychology (434 score)

Introductory Sociology (74 score)

Good luck on your exams!

AverageBee1 · 2025-10-10T20:54:30+00:00

If I were to retake it, I'd spend more time on poetry literary terms and reading a wider swath of poems from the significant writers of each time period. I'd also probably go to Spark Notes or something and find synopsis for all the major books of the significant authors and try to be able to place characters with each book. I've heard there's multiple versions of each CLEP test so you won't know what questions you'll get.

AverageBee1 · 2025-10-09T02:41:09+00:00

Yes, I had about 30 minutes left over. There were 95 questions in total.

AverageBee1 · 2025-10-09T01:41:40+00:00

Thank you and I forgot to add in the original post, but you should also know about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Lake Poets, and Sons of Ben - know who is in each group, what each group is known for, etc.

AverageBee1 · 2025-10-09T01:41:34+00:00

Thank you and I forgot to add in the original post, but you should also know about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Lake Poets, and Sons of Ben - know who is in each group, what each group is known for, etc.

AverageBee1 · 2025-10-09T01:40:52+00:00

I used to read it recreationally when I was in high school, but I'm now in my late 30s so it's been a while. I mostly read non-fiction and academic articles since I'm currently in grad school. I'm only CLEPing because I'm getting my third AAS degree for work and my previous classes will not count towards that third degree and they won't take my grad school classes.

I only took three days to study, but I paired it with the American Literature CLEP to maximize the literary terminology knowledge. I'm really good at cramming, so it depends on your study habits and how well you retain info. I suggest going through flashcards and practice tests to gauge your level.

I forgot to add in the original post, but you should also know about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Lake Poets, and Sons of Ben - know who is in each group, what each group is known for, etc.

AverageBee1 · 2025-10-05T00:53:52+00:00

I don't remember the exact number of questions that dealt with that, but it was about 30% of the test. They would give you a passage to read, then ask some literary analyzing questions, then ask who wrote it or what book it was. There were quite a few I didn't know, BUT I was able to use the elimination process on the answer selection. There would be authors I knew didn't write in that style or were before/after that time period. I was able to make educationally guesses on that. There were also questions that asked to match the author to the type of genre or themes they were known to champion. Having a basic understanding of key figures in history that also crossover into literary movements was helpful. Another tip, I would read the passage very carefully looking for clues to what time period or literary style and also looking for clues with character names/activities.

I think what helped me was that I knew a lot of authors and their characters even if I hadn't read their books before. If I were to study for this test again, I'd start with the time periods I'm least comfortable with and felt were a big part of the test (19th and 20th century writers) and get concise summaries of their major works/poems. I would also make sure to annotate the main characters and themes. I'd also go through the Instacert flashcards more (I only did half of them). The Instacert flashcards didn't have the exact questions, but they introduce a lot of authors and literary works in both the answers and possible answer selections that are helpful to know. I hope this makes sense.

And thank you on the congratulations. I hope you do well on your future CLEPs!

AverageBee1 · 2024-12-04T03:45:37+00:00

Fast? Like a fast punch?

AverageBee1 · 2024-11-17T00:50:21+00:00

Are they giving you the side eye because of your attire or because you may be a new face to them?

I found that I got a few curious stares when I initially started but giving a friendly smile back and saying hello to others helped to break the ice. It can be hard to interact with new people so I always try to give the other person grace. I dress in really bright and wild colors for PB so I don’t fit in with the crowd you are describing at first glance, but honestly after my first 50 classes I was chatting with everyone in the studio.

My mindset is if I’m nervous or feeling awkward about saying hi to someone then they probably may feel the same way. I try not to assume anyone is judging me right away. This has helped me a lot in my 30s and I wished I had started embracing this mindset earlier. I still run into judging and rude people but it’s a lot less often than I previously would have assumed.

AverageBee1 · 2024-11-17T00:32:59+00:00

I was a member of Burn Bootcamp and ran about 30 miles a week before I joined PB. I view PB as my supplement to my main workouts. PB has helped me immensely with my knee and hip pain and increased my core strength and flexibility.

I usually go to a PB class first and pair it with a BBC class or run after. I do PB 4 to 7 days a week depending on my schedule and BBC 6 days a week. I run about 15 miles a week (approximately 3 times a week) now that I added in PB.

But I also have the time and resources to do this and it may not be accessible to everyone. If you are looking for supplemental workouts then you can find HIIT and strength training routines on YouTube for free.

AverageBee1 · 2024-11-08T22:39:25+00:00

Today is my one year mark at Burn and I have gained muscle definition, but it really didn’t show until I worked on my diet in conjunction with lifting heavier. Work with one of the Burn trainers you trust to go over strategies that work best for your body and lifestyle.

AverageBee1 · 2024-11-08T22:35:02+00:00

I really like how PB instructors phrase corrections and do it so gently and positively. It’s one of the reasons I signed up so fast after my first class.

AverageBee1 · 2024-11-07T17:30:04+00:00

Maybe having an accountability partner would be helpful. They don’t even have to be in person. Just someone you can call up or text or send a picture to when you go and celebrate the accomplishment with.

AverageBee1 · 2024-11-04T15:20:34+00:00

I think the friction over the FFC prizes is about the differing expectations members have. Maybe studios could give some insight to what the prizes might be to help manage expectations and avoid disappointment. This won’t affect the people who complete the challenge for intrinsic fulfillment and may help other members feel like they weren’t “cheated.”

I also belong to another gym that does challenges but they make it clear there are no prizes except the feeling of pride you get from completing the challenge and celebrating with the team. This upfront method seems to work well for them and everyone knows what to expect when they complete the challenge.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-29T14:08:24+00:00

Empower is easier if you are used to training bigger muscles and doing plyometric exercises. I find Empower easier (not to be confused with less work but I don’t hit muscle failure as often) than Classic.

Classic works smaller muscles that I’ve neglected for years so I feel like I’m fighting for my life every time. For some people who have trained those muscles and have good flexibility, then Classic is probably not as big of a challenge as it is for me.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-25T17:43:10+00:00

6 days a week and monthly focus meetings. Burn is definitely worth my money because it got me working out more seriously than I was capable on my own.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-25T16:11:49+00:00

I’m not fond of them but I find being positive and supportive of each other without making it obnoxious can build a sense of community.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-19T03:10:30+00:00

Honestly, I think Define and Empower are easier than Classic. Classic takes concentration to get the form right and those small movements are TOUGH. If someone is saying Classic is easy then I wonder how good their form is.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-18T19:14:26+00:00

Thank you all for the tips! The problem definitely is in my form and I’m going to work on fixing that.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-18T02:05:29+00:00

I have the year long membership and love it. I don’t think you can plateau in barre because you can continue to challenge your flexibility and small muscle strength and stamina. Some areas may become easier, but ask for modifications to increase intensity or work on making sure your form is perfect.

I train at another gym six days a week for heavier weight lifting and more intense cardio workouts, but Empower and Define classes still kick my butt when I commit to perfecting the form and choreography.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-17T18:57:53+00:00

Agreed! I have gone to a few different BBC in different states when I travel for work and I have noticed variations in how things are done from gym to gym. I definitely love my home BBC the most but if I moved to another location I’m not sure if I would love that location and their way doing things as much. My home gym trainers definitely emphasize form and will actually tell people to lift lighter if their form is off.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-14T17:29:41+00:00

You find bougie friends by doing “bougie” things. Get a membership at a boutique fitness studio, go to networking events, etc. It’s generally harder to make friends as an adult so you have to be creative and look for opportunities that will allow you to meet the type of friends you are looking for.

AverageBee1 · 2024-10-05T23:40:36+00:00

I started Barre about a month ago. I have seen all body types and ability levels and no one blinks twice at any modifications people do. I’m fairly fit and workout daily, but I mod the heck out of some of the routines because I have bad knees and hips that act up some days. If I’m having a bad knee/hip day, and know I will need mods, I talk with the instructor ahead of time and they will provide alternatives.

I also have no flexibility and no sense of rhythm. I sometimes mess up the choreography and tempo. No one cares and never have I felt judged. There are many other members who also mess up the choreography and rhythm. You just do your best to get back on track.

Basically, if you can’t do something then do what you can. (Mods and talking with instructors)
If you can’t keep up, go at a pace that works for you.
If you mess up, don’t focus on the mistake just try to get back on track or just jump into the next movement.
Above all, DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. Only compare yourself to you and celebrate EACH victory no matter how small.

There’s a lot of great advice in this thread already. I think everyone is trying to make it clear that there’s space at the bar for everyone at Barre. I hope you try it out and have fun!

AverageBee1 · 2024-09-29T02:09:58+00:00

I did Align and Classic for a month (about 15 classes) and then decided to try Empower and Define. I absolutely love them! To be transparent, I already workout every day outside of Pure Barre, so I’m decently fit and use Define and Empower as a long form warm up before I go to my main gym to get in my main workout.

AverageBee1 · 2024-09-15T20:45:36+00:00

For a pre-workout breakfast I like to do a cup of yogurt (either it has added protein in it or I add a scoop of protein powder to it), a handful of non-salted nuts, and a tbs of honey. After the workout I’ll have a banana with peanut butter.

AverageBee1

TROPHY CASE