CliffsNotes CSET: Multiple Subjects with CD-ROM, 3rd Edition 3rd Edition

This definitely helped me to pass the CSET. I took all three subsets at once, and I just found out that I passed each subset the first time I took them! I studied seriously for about three weeks. Probably not the best strategy, but I passed. I should note that I have a degree in biology and didn't need to spend a lot of time studying for the science/math subset, though I did review for that subset. I had also just finished a few education classes that focused on teaching reading/language arts, so I didn't have to focus much of my studying time on domain 1 in the English section either.The good:1. The practice questions/tests did help! Are they perfect? No, but I got a lot out of them. I didn't use the cd-rom, just the questions and practice tests in the book itself. I like that you have a diagnostic test at the start of each domain, with a pretty detailed explanation for the correct answer of the question. There are two full practice tests at the end of the book, and each answer is fully explained 2. There were a few essays on my exam that were really similar to the ones on my test. 3. There is a lot of information covered in an easy to understand manner. There are outlines and diagrams that help organize and visually explain the different concepts. Math problems are explained in pretty good detail.The "could be improved":1. There were a few errors that I found ( I don't remember them off the top of my head right now, but I noticed them when I was studying). 2. It doesn't cover everything, and I did have to use other resources to supplement it. I understand that this is a study guide and won't have everything covered, let alone in great detail. However, there were some areas not covered in this book that seemed to be pop up in the test more than once. For example, it lacks information about the California government system.This is a good starting off point, and I would recommend this book. I bought another study book (Barrons), but I found a lot of errors in that one, so I eventually put it away and used this as my main study aid. I would suggest supplementing it with other information though. I found other (free!) practice tests online, used history books, websites (the khan academy is good if you need extra help with math, science, art history and humanities), and other resources in addition to this book. I also made a LOT of flash cards. Don't neglect to study for the third subset! This book will help with the third subset!

I waited until I got my results to write a review. I took all three subtests in one day and passed them all. I used this study guide as my main prep source. I have a BA in psychology so I had to brush up on some of the subjects. I gave myself three weeks to study. I read the entire book and highlighted important things to remember (pretty much everything). Then, I went back at the end of each section to make flash cards. This helped tremendously with recall and memorization. At the end of week two, I had about 500 flash cards, hand cramps, and I still I didn't feel completely comfortable with the level of depth in this book so just to over prepare, I went to the library and borrowed World History for Dummies, Everything Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know, and books on California History. These were definitely helpful since the Cliff's book is understandably pretty vague in history and presented in bullet points. As someone who went into this completely clueless as to what the cset-ms was about, I would say this was a very good guide and starting point. I know I wouldn't have succeeded in passing all three subtests in one go if it weren't for this book. On test day, I walked out of the testing center feeling completely drained and pessimistic. I felt like I did not pass even one of them so I was pretty surprised when I found out not only did I pass but with pretty good scores! Looking back, I wish I practiced writing constructed responses using the guide in this book since I was pretty stumped on some of them on the actual response but overall, I'm happy and I really think its thanks to this book! Be married to this book for 6+ hours a day, find your weak points then seek other sources, flash cards, flash cards and more flash cards and you too will succeed!! I'm ready to have a celebratory bonfire now.

I got this book about a month before I took the test, which gave me just enough time to complete every section and all the practice tests. I passed the test the first time. This book is very thorough and describes the test (including its format and passing standards) very well. I loved that all the information I needed was all already in the book, no outside source required. However, there were two major flaws:1) I was disappointed with the practice tests. Practice test one is almost exactly like the official practice test available at the CSET website, right down to the order of the questions. When I noticed this I felt ripped off. Then, although the book doesn't state this explicitly, tests two and three get progressively harder. I was worried when I took successive re-tests after studying and noticed that my scores didn't improve. I want other people buying this book to know that the actual CSET is really most like practice test one.2) The format of the computer-based practice tests on the CD was awful. In "test mode" when you run out of time, the screen locks. You can't even score the questions you've already answered to see how you did! The only way to change the screen is to close the test, and then it loses all your answers so you have to start over! In "practice mode" you can't skip questions and go back later or change answers, even though this is a recommended strategy. This is frustrating when you are trying to simulate testing conditions.Despite its downfalls, I would still recommend this book. The CD was very frustrating to work with, but the actual content of the book was great. It was easy to follow the guides, and all the information you need to know is contained in one book.

I chose this book as it appeared to have the best recommendations. It’s size is very daunting but thoroughly covers topics you will need, although you will need to use outside sources too.The practice tests were thorough and accurate and I passed first time :DI also tried Teaching Solutions package as another resource, which made me realise how good this book is!!