<p>Yes, I've returned after months of keeping myself away from CC... Here I am, a second semester, disillusioned senior who is almost over the hump of college admissions... Here I am, with my super-long posts:</p>
<p>So, remember that I'm the math/science oriented person, and this year has only strengthened my preferences towards math and sciences and AWAY from humanities (I blamed retarded teachers...). So, here are the AP tests I'm planning to take:</p>
<ul>
<li>Calc BC (pretty confident)</li>
<li>Physics B (pretty confident)</li>
<li>Eng Lit (it'll be a miracle if I get a 5, I'm actually going to be content if I get a 4...)</li>
<li>Physics C (both exams; self-studying, which is going all right)</li>
<li>Comp Gov (grr...)</li>
</ul>
<p>Now, I've read a lot of times that Comp Gov is ridiculously easy, and if you just read the Ethel Woods book, you're all set. I want opinions from math/science oriented people, because AP Government is not working out for me. Let's say I can barely... understand... or at least, I kind of fail to see the big picture and apply previously learned concepts (like market economy or rule of law (which I'm still shaky about)) to what we "learn". </p>
<p>There's another thing. Our teacher fails. We don't really learn a lot, as time is spent on digressions or numerous Frontline videos about, for example, Mexican immigration (oh, as if THAT'S a big topic on the AP Gov test) or projects on stuff like debating over Iran's nuclear program or doing an Iranian presidential campaign. To see how sad it is, on the day before the Mexico test, our teacher was going over the Mexican government and the structure. I almost feel like we're rushing through the six countries, after spending a ridiculous amount of time on democratization and economics (which I've learned to abhor).</p>
<p>And about his tests... they might be harder than the AP exam itself. There are questions that are too specific. For example, there's one about the average number of women in the Mexican legislative branch, or the amount of money sent to Mexico by illegal immigrants who have went to the US. I seriously doubt ETS would expect us to know those...</p>
<p>Nevertheless, I get consistent Bs on the tests. I only got an A once. I studied for the semester final like crazy and got a C (I think, or at least a B-... screwed up the free-response so badly, and those were real AP questions...). My predilection is for not taking it, but now let's bring colleges into this argument.</p>
<p>I'm expecting to go to UC Berkeley (I'm a Regents candidate). Berkeley gives 2.7 semester units for the test for a score of 3 or higher. I've applied to some private universities that don't give credit for the Comp Gov test, but I've lost hope in getting into those colleges. This is probably the biggest incentive for taking the test, or at least, ordering the test. </p>
<p>Here are the options I'm considering:
- Taking the dang AP test (along with the 5 others (well, that includes the two Physics C exams)). At the very least, I'll order the test, but refund it if<a href="%5BI%5DIF%5B/I%5D">/I</a> I get into a university that doesn't give credit for that test and choose to go there. Refunding (if there *is such a thing at our school) costs money.
- Screw the test and scream "It's such a useless exam anyway!"</p>
<p>Anybody can reply, but I particularly want the math/science oriented people to answer (or at least, those who can really relate with me and my situation). And if the answer is painstakingly obvious from my post, please say, "Do what your heart tells you and do option #2" rather than criticize me for hyping over a "simple issue."</p>