DSST Civil War and Criminal Justice

[Mateo1]

Hello folks, I just came back from taking Civil War and Reconstruction and Criminal Justice DSSTs back to back.

I used the full two hours for the Civil War test and couldn't get to review 4 or 5 questions that I had checked for review. I finished the Criminal Justice test in 1:05 hours. (I guess this explains a bit the difference between UL and LL).

Fortunately, I got a B on both exams. On both, I was one point under the score equivalent to an A (for EC).

What I would like to report is that The Civil War is doable using only IC. The key is to read and fully process the answers on the cards. That's the way IC advises you to do it, but it's particularly true on this test. There were about 10 questions from the 112 that IC didn't cover, however some of them seem that you can work through them (or not, that's probably why I didn't score better). Anyhow, IC is all I used and it worked for me. In my opinion, an A is achievable only with IC. One tip, while you're studying for this test, have a map to look at and follow along. It will give you more of a visual about the way troops were moving and way to relate to some of the main rivers you'll be asked about. I wish I had done it. I thought of this while driving on the way to the test but it was too late.

On the Criminal Justice test, IC also does a good job but I think there were also 10 or 12 questions, from the 90, that were not covered by IC. This is definitely an easier test but, for the same reason, scoring high is more difficult. If you want a solid A on the Criminal Justice, it may be advisable to look at some other sources. There were plenty of questions about the juvenile court system and corrections. Also, many questions on all different case law regarding due process.

The specific feedback section has an accurate description of both tests.
Thanks to all of you who added to it.

Mateo

[ImustStudy]

Originally Posted by Mateo1

Hello folks, I just came back from taking Civil War and Reconstruction and Criminal Justice DSSTs back to back.

I used the full two hours for the Civil War test and couldn't get to review 4 or 5 questions that I had checked for review. I finished the Criminal Justice test in 1:05 hours. (I guess this explains a bit the difference between UL and LL).

Fortunately, I got a B on both exams. On both, I was one point under the score equivalent to an A (for EC).

What I would like to report is that The Civil War is doable using only IC. The key is to read and fully process the answers on the cards. That's the way IC advises you to do it, but it's particularly true on this test. There were about 10 questions from the 112 that IC didn't cover, however some of them seem that you can work through them (or not, that's probably why I didn't score better). Anyhow, IC is all I used and it worked for me. In my opinion, an A is achievable only with IC. One tip, while you're studying for this test, have a map to look at and follow along. It will give you more of a visual about the way troops were moving and way to relate to some of the main rivers you'll be asked about. I wish I had done it. I thought of this while driving on the way to the test but it was too late.

On the Criminal Justice test, IC also does a good job but I think there were also 10 or 12 questions, from the 90, that were not covered by IC. This is definitely an easier test but, for the same reason, scoring high is more difficult. If you want a solid A on the Criminal Justice, it may be advisable to look at some other sources. There were plenty of questions about the juvenile court system and corrections. Also, many questions on all different case law regarding due process.

The specific feedback section has an accurate description of both tests.
Thanks to all of you who added to it.

Mateo

Good stuff. thanks for posting. what area does the civil war test apply to?

[ShotoJuku]

Originally Posted by ImustStudy

.......what area does the civil war test apply to?

Social Science - 3 UPPER level credits.

[bceagles]

Please site any examples of question from the civil war exam. Thanks.

[Mateo1]

Hey beagles, I can tell you that whatever is on the specific feedback section is right on the money. The posters did a very detailed job on that section. In fact, after taking the test I reviewed it again and noticed that some of the questions where i was not too sure on the test, the answer was in that section. If you are taking the test soon, before you leave your house, go over the specific feedback section. It will give you the answer to 4 or 5 questions.
Other than that, I remember questions about the rivers used to go from one battle site to another (north to south), who was the leader of the Copperheads, one or two questions about the 14th ammendment, who killed Lincoln, what was the result of the Mexican War in regards to territories acquired, several questions, but not as many as I expected, on specific battles, remember Antiem and Vicksburg. Also, how the war started, you need to know who attacked who, and where. They worded that question in a way that gave a really hard time. I didn't get any questions, that I remember, about religion or cotton. They will ask about the Trent incident, who run against Lincoln before he became president, the type of weapons used in the CW, Clara Barton, etc.
I can tell you that everything they ask is on the IC cards. I felt that if I had spent a couple hours pounding on the IC cards, I could have easily gotten an A. I got a 54 and the A starts at 55 for EC.
Some of the question are worded with a bit of a twist, but if you know your stuff, you'll be able to get it right.
If you have any questions about a particular area let me know.
Mateo.

[bceagles]

Thanks for the response Mateo. I'm going to attempt to take the exam before the new year. Let me know if you think of anything else that I should study up on.

[Shadowless]

Any tips for the Criminal Justice test?

Originally Posted by Mateo1

Hello folks, I just came back from taking Civil War and Reconstruction and Criminal Justice DSSTs back to back.

I used the full two hours for the Civil War test and couldn't get to review 4 or 5 questions that I had checked for review. I finished the Criminal Justice test in 1:05 hours. (I guess this explains a bit the difference between UL and LL).

Fortunately, I got a B on both exams. On both, I was one point under the score equivalent to an A (for EC).

What I would like to report is that The Civil War is doable using only IC. The key is to read and fully process the answers on the cards. That's the way IC advises you to do it, but it's particularly true on this test. There were about 10 questions from the 112 that IC didn't cover, however some of them seem that you can work through them (or not, that's probably why I didn't score better). Anyhow, IC is all I used and it worked for me. In my opinion, an A is achievable only with IC. One tip, while you're studying for this test, have a map to look at and follow along. It will give you more of a visual about the way troops were moving and way to relate to some of the main rivers you'll be asked about. I wish I had done it. I thought of this while driving on the way to the test but it was too late.

On the Criminal Justice test, IC also does a good job but I think there were also 10 or 12 questions, from the 90, that were not covered by IC. This is definitely an easier test but, for the same reason, scoring high is more difficult. If you want a solid A on the Criminal Justice, it may be advisable to look at some other sources. There were plenty of questions about the juvenile court system and corrections. Also, many questions on all different case law regarding due process.

The specific feedback section has an accurate description of both tests.
Thanks to all of you who added to it.

Mateo

[Mateo1]

Hello Shadow, as I mentioned, this is an easier test. For the same reason, it's harder to get a really high score.
Many questions on the juvenile court system, like legal terminology used in juvenile cases that is different for adult cases [like trial and adjudication hearing].
Parole and probation came out quite a lot.
The important cases in the history of the courts, like Mapp vs. Ohio.
As the days go by, and I submerge into the next exam, I start forgetting the details but it is not a hard exam. If you want an absolute A, I would suggest reading something to supplement IC. I didn't do anything but IC. Also, check the specific feedback section.
Good luck!
Mateo