<pre><code> I am a freshman and currently taking my first AP class. (AP Human Geography) I would have to say that it is pretty easy I have an A, etc. I am not taking any AP classes next year, so my question is should I self study any of them? or look into any of the CLEP tests? or any other ways to challenge myself? I have heard AP psychology is easy to self study but I don't know if I would want to take the actual class in 2 years. What APs would be good to self study as a sophomore? What would be the steps to self studying for a AP test. Just get the review book a couple months before??? How would I sign up for the tests? I was also wondering if anyone that self studied would recommend it???
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<p>I can’t really say what would be good to self-study. But I can tell you that it is very possible. I’m currently self-studying AP Microeconomics. The best way to go about doing it is to find both a good textbook to use and a review book. I was fortunate enough to know the Econ teacher at my school at she let me use the AP textbook she has to self-study. In addition, I got 5 steps to a 5 to make sure that I’m covering all that I need, and to have the practice tests as well. </p>
<p>To sign up for the tests, usually you just need to talk to the AP coordinator at your school (usually in student services). </p>
<p>I can’t tell you quite yet how it’s worked out, but I’m feeling pretty confident so far. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you’re willing to invest enough time starting early enough, you can self-study almost any AP.
I’m a freshman selfing 4 APs on top of taking AP Macro in school. And I’m consistently scoring high 4s and/or 5s on practice tests.
But I’m not saying this to brag. I started early (summer) and put in about 30 minutes a day. When you think about it, that’s no time at all. But it really adds up, especially if you make that time as productive as possible. Whatever you do, selfing should NOT precede over any other productive activity you would do if you weren’t selfing. I.e. Replacing video games with selfing is fine, but not reading as much as you typically would (for lack of a better example) is wrong. </p>
<p>Oh and if you want general selfing methods:
Find the most popular books from the consolidated book recommendations page in the AP subcategory of CC.
Buy said book(s)
Study.
Take practice tests.
Study more.
Take actual tests.
Easy ones to study:
Psych
Environ
Histories (if you have time)</p>
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I think it’s a waste of time for college admissions and you’re better off working on your ECs. Colleges don’t expect you to take classes your high school doesn’t offer, and if your school offers an AP class they’d rather you take the class and the test as opposed to just the test. It’s a good option if you can get college credit, though. AP scores can be self-reported on the Common App, but there’s nowhere to report CLEP scores.</p>
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Do you have any colleges in mind yet? Look up what their distribution requirements are and whether or not any AP exams would allow you to get out of them. </p>
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Pretty much. You can also use textbooks, online video lectures, etc.</p>
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Through your school. Ask your guidance counselor.</p>
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I self-studied Statistics (3), US Government (3), US History (4), and Calculus BC (4) as a junior. My scores were low because I procrastinated a lot…US History and Calculus BC are useful because I’ll be able to get out of those classes in college, but the 3s aren’t high enough. I’m taking the Microeconomics and Macroeconomics tests this year in the hope of getting college credit.</p>