AP selfstudying.. is it worth it?

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

<p>I am at a school that I always considered to be academically competitive but now I'm really starting to wonder..
I am a junior in the IB program which worries me because I don't know how colleges feel about it, I don't know if they'll give me credit, etc.
I took two AP courses (APUSH and Stat) sophomore year and got a 4 and a 5.
Now I have been considering selfstudying for some more AP classes, mainly Govt since I've it's not too tough and perhaps just studying a little more in depth the material from some of my IB classes like chem bio and econ and taking those AP tests.
However, selfstudying is simply not done at my school. Even the valedictorian, a fellow IBer, looked at me like i was crazy when I suggested this. The IB/AP coordinator and my counselors have not been supportive at all mainly because they don't want me to fail and bring the school's average scores down. I personally don't think this would happen, at worst I would probably get like a 3 which would bring the average UP. The problem is that at my school I'm not exactly known as one of the "smart kids." I'm in IB and going to be the only NMSF in my grade, but people still think of me as the dumb blonde chick in the back of class who always asks stupid questions. Although I don't always try that hard in school, I've always been a really good testtaker and I really want to selfstudy and take these tests but now my PARENTS don't even want to "waste their money" on it.</p>

<p>Do you guys think i should go ahead and do it or is it not worth dealing with all the issues involved?
And if i should how do you think i should go about convincing my parents and IB/AP coordinator??</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Self-studying is an obsession among the folks in this group.</p>

<p>You are describing yourself as an intelligent, high-performing student. Success in an IB program, a 4 and 5 on AP exams as a sophomore, and a designation as a NMSF speak volumes about your scholastic abilities and work ethic. You don't need to pack your resume with AP scores. </p>

<p>For a change (?), your advisors and parents are giving you good advice. Spend your time as a junior and a senior pursuing learning within your classes, interestests in your extra-curricular activities, and character in what you give to the community. </p>

<p>I have known many "dumb blondes" who have been admitted to the "elite" colleges before their "smarter" classmates. The "dumbest" blonde I knew had the highest average in her AP Biology Class. The admissions officers won't be stopping by your school to ask other students about you.</p>

<p>Keep asking those stupid questions, though. Some of the "stupidest" questions in history were asked by Socrates, Einstein, and Descartes.</p>

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<p>Take your exams at another school. Bring their scores up. You're too good for your school anyway.</p>

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<p>Are you allowed to just register to take it at another school?
I go to a private school so should i take it at a public school or another private one?</p>

<p>thanks for your responses though!</p>

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<p>im pretty sure ur allowed to take an AP exam at another school if ur own school doesnt offer it. just ask ur counselor or something.</p>