<p>I've seen a few threads on self-studying for the AP Latin Vergil exam, but it seems as if most of them deal with people who have had little to no prior Latin knowledge and want to learn the whole Latin language up to the AP level in a very short amount of time. </p>
<p>In my case, I've completed Latin I and Latin II with year averages of 99 in both (I'm a rising junior). I know that Latin I/II are probably nothing compared to AP Latin in terms of difficulty, but I must say that my teacher is not easy (extremely knowledgeable, yes... easy, no) and has never curved our grades so I do feel very confident in my Latin knowledge up to this point. At my school, Latin III/IV are taught as a joint class where the first quarter involves the Latin III students learning the rest of the actual language, and the other three quarters reading and translating Latin texts. My school does not offer AP Latin Vergil, but I believe that the level that Latin III/IV is taught is very close (my teacher has mentioned before that he requested to have the class become an AP-credit class... but the administration turned it down or something like that).</p>
<p>Unfortunately, my school will not be offering Latin at all next year. I had every intention of continuing up through Latin IV and taking the AP test (like I said, my school doesn't have AP Latin, but my teacher is really great so I think that if after Latin III I brought up the idea of taking it, he'd most likely be willing to help me out with preparing enough to take it anyway), and then majoring in Latin or Classics as a double major with something else. This has now become a problem. So, my question is... with the solid education of the Latin language that I've already received, do you think it's possible to self-study for the AP Latin Vergil exam over a span of two years? Although my Latin teacher will not actually be teaching at my school any longer next year, I can still most likely keep in contact with him to ask questions and get help with anything (assuming he would be willing... but considering that he did not voluntarily decide to stop teaching at my school, I think it's safe to say he would). I know it won't be easy to do so, but I do think it will be easier than self-studying with NO prior Latin knowledge which I'm sure some people still attempt to do. </p>
<p>Any insight will be much appreciated... but please be honest. If you don't think this is possible, then let me know- I don't want to end up biting off more than I can chew only to realize it when it comes time to take the AP test. </p>
<p>On a side note... by 'prepared enough' for the AP test, I mean having a strong enough grasp on the material to receive a 4 or a 5. I think I could deal with a 3 since I'd be self-studying, but if I'm going to end up getting a 1 or a 2 I don't think it'd be worth it to self-study when I could be focusing on something I could perform much better on.</p>
<p>It will be extremely plausible for you to self study for the AP Latin test. Since you are already confident and good at the language, AP will just bring it to the next level and further your intelligence in the area. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and seeing as you are already excelling in Latin, AP Latin shouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>Just curious, have you taken the test? Only asking not because I don’t trust your opinion (because I definitely do! ) but just so I can know if I should also get the opinion of someone who actually has taken the test to see whether they also think I’m capable of taking the test based on how difficult they thought it was given their level of experience.</p>
<p>I actually think you should take a practice test right now to see just how difficult it is, and then prepare yourself accordingly. You’ll have a better sense of how much you have to study in order to do well. :)</p>
<p>Just saying that Latin I and II are jokes compared to AP Latin Vergil. Getting a 99 in them doesn’t mean you are an exceptional Latin student (not saying that you aren’t, but still)… since most of Latin I and II is just basic translation, memorizing vocab, and simple grammar rules.
AP Latin Vergil is poetry, which is significantly more difficult to translate than prose. In addition, you have to be able to analyze Latin and the poet’s use of literary devices. </p>
<p>It would take an insane amount of dedication to prepare well enough to get a 4 or a 5 without a teacher (even with one, it’s hard). I highly recommend trying to do some of the SIGHT translations on the exam, since they are non-studiable; your success on them would be indicative of your actual skill at understanding Latin poetry.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help, everyone! I appreciate it I’ll check out the practice tests and get a feel for what they’re like. </p>
<p>IV, I completely understand the increase in difficulty from Latin I/II to AP Latin… and I also know that my grade doesn’t make me an exceptional Latin student by any means. I mean, compared with the rest of the grades in my class, it’s safe to say that I am- but I’m 100% sure that there are hundreds of other Latin students who have a far better grasp on the language than I do after the same amount of exposure. Like you said, it’ll take an insane amount of dedication… but if it’s even the slightest bit possible with that much dedication, I guess I don’t have much to lose by at least trying, right? :)</p>
<p>This week my school board found more money through retirements and stuff like that and they brought back about eight teachers who had previously been cut, my Latin teacher included. I know I didn’t HAVE to self-study (I did want to keep learning Latin either way though so I wasn’t forcing myself to), but I knew I was going to if I was allowed so it’s still a relief to not have to worry about it over the next two years. I just wanted to celebrate somewhere… so sorry for bringing this thread back up when everyone is in the midst of getting their AP scores :)</p>
<p>Anyway, I just wanted to thank all of you guys for the help one more time even though I won’t be self-studying anymore. I appreciate it! (:</p>
Just hoping to get a reply by the time I sign on later today.</p>