Customer Reviews

DSST Principles of Finance (DANTES series) (Dantes Series : No. 46)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Passed my test with a 49 (min was 46). I spent a week studying the study guide. This was a difficult test and the study guide helped me alot.

I used this book to help study for the DSST Principles of Finance test. First, let me say the test was just very difficult. I studied an actual Finance text book for three weeks (through reading and memorizing concepts) and then used this book for its practice tests only. The exam asked about many more/different concepts than this book focuses on. The problem questions on the exam were much more straight forward as were the general questions (3 or 4 asked about how to calculate FV and the another 3-4 asked about calculating yearly investments).

Rating this book was a toss-up. I don't think it really helped me in my exam preparation. However, there aren't really any other books with questions geared toward this exam. If I had to do it all over again I would have probably not used this book and studied the text/concepts more. The text book questions would have probably matched the exam more closely.

This book, like many test preparation books of its kind (CLEP/DANTES books), is a tool and investment for a specific type of indidivual: the person that is too busy to take on a full courseload at a community college or 4-year college. It may also be for the military type (possibly deployed somewhere), the person taking a year off before attending college full time, or the individual curious about businesses.

It is first of all a study booklet for an exam worth college credit similar to the AP-type exam that some high school students take. One should note that not all colleges accept credit for the exam (schools that accept credit are listed in the book and include most state universities.)

Second, the book (if studied diligently enough) can provide insight into financial issues far beyond balancing the checkbook. It covers financial planning, financial statements, financial ratio analysis, forecasting, cash flow management, pricing, and financial management planning.

Third, the book provides additional information about the test itself: how to prepare for it and where the test centers are located.

Again, for the person that is really busy with work and paying the bills, this can be a serious and important investment in their education.

This book advantage relies on the examples of the "examination questions", which I found matching only a small percentage of the real test. It lacks main concepts and formulas. Worst test preparation material I've ever bought.

This book is only practice questions. There aren't even any detailed explanations. The questions are helpful, but you'll need another book like foundations of finacial mangement by Hirt and Block to pass the dantes test.

A large, thick, spiral-bound book with lots of tests and tips on how to take a better test. Tips on how to take the test, before, and at the test. Very helpful with test descriptions. Good knowledge for those who need to know!

This book took me from knowing nothing at all about the financial and budgetary terminology and investing aspects. To now I invest regularly with a couple of companies. Thank you