Homeschool students can prepare for college and earn college credits simultaneously through dual credit opportunities such as CLEP exams. The College Mathematics CLEP exam expands on the math topics taught in Algebra 1. Many colleges give students who pass the College Mathematics CLEP up to 6 semester hours of credit.
CLEP exams are an excellent way for teens to save time and money by testing out of introductory college courses.
The College Mathematics CLEP covers the material taught in math courses required for non-math majors. The student has 90 minutes to complete 60 multiple choice questions covering number theory, algebra, statistics, probability, and financial math. None of these topics are covered in depth, so students do not need advanced knowledge of math.
The questions are divided evenly between routine and non-routine problems. Routine problems are straight-forward manipulation problems where the teen needs to solve for a number. Non-routine problems are application questions that test the student’s understanding of concepts.
Here are some tips to help your teen prepare to pass the College Mathematics CLEP exam:
Plan for your teen to take the CLEP test soon after finishing Algebra 1. Algebra 1 covers more than half the material covered on the exam. A dual credit student can leverage this by taking the exam when the material is still fresh.
Start preparing for the test in advance. A short amount of study time every day is more effective than cramming during the week before the exam.
Take advantage of Dual Credit at Home’s Study Plans. Our Study Plans cover 13 CLEP and DSST exams including the College Mathematics CLEP exam and will help prepare your student for the exam. We eliminate the guesswork by showing your teen exactly what to study each day! Download our free e-book to learn more about the program.
If you aren’t using our Study Plans, make a list of skills your student needs to practice. Most students need more detail than “material from Algebra 1”. Use the test description to make a list of specific skills like “solve two-step equations” or “calculate simple interest”. This will make it easier for you or your student to find examples, worksheets, and videos.
Use IXL to fill in knowledge gaps. IXL is an effective way to learn math skills. Choose the skills your student needs to master from the topic index.
Schedule test accommodations early. The College Board offers test accommodations to students with disabilities, but it sometimes takes a few weeks for approval. Contact CLEP Services for information.
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