<p>It depends on where you are headed. Different colleges use APs differently to gauge your strengths, weaknesses, and have an idea for your placement.
I'm crazy. Taken out of context, the previous statement is probably a little scary. But here's why. I took 2 APs my sophomore year (both with classes). I took 4 APs my junior year (2 self-studied). This year, I'm taking 10 APs (6 class, 1 retake, and 3 self-study). IMO, I find that APs are very challenging. I like to pick up a review book and learn things at such an advanced level. It's very interesting and intellectually stimulating.
Ok, you asked about the difficulties:</p>
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<p>AP English: I'm not sure which English you meant (Lit. or Lang.). They're both not too bad. I'll be honest, Lit is the one I'm retaking. I could have done so much better. I just have to learn to manage my time better. If you can devote your time to doing independent reading and writing, you will do fine. Find a teacher to work along with - it may help make things less overwhelming!</p>
<p>AP Psych: This is one of the 2 self-study APs I took junior year. I earned a 5 on the exam. I recommend using Barron's review and McGraw Hill's (5 Steps to a 5). I used two review books b/c I liked to complement one with the other. Where one was lacking, I found the other compensated. Also, go on: <a href="http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/729/747358/Kassin_Flashcards/index1.html%5B/url%5D">http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/729/747358/Kassin_Flashcards/index1.html</a> <--- there is some awesome vocab review there! If you know the vocab, you'll easily get a 4 or a 5!</p>
<p>AP Government: Again, not sure which one you mean. Comparative or American? This year, I am independent studying both AP Gov't courses. My third self-study is AP Art History. If you're taking AP Comparative Government, I recommend Ethel Wood's review book. (Look her name up on <a href="http://www.amazon.com)%5B/url%5D">www.amazon.com)</a>. If you're taking AP US Gov't, I recommend the Barron's book. It was written by someone here on LI where I live. The College Board rates it the BEST review book for AP US Gov't. I hear both AP Gov'ts are very easy to self study!</p>
<p>AP Human Geography: I have not taken it, but I've heard from several friends that it ranks as one of the easiest APs. I've heard stories (not 100% sure if they're true) about students who've self studied in just days (or relatively few weeks) and have pulled off 5s! There are good review books out there. It's on the easy side as far as independent study goes.</p>
<p>AP Economics: Which one? Macro? Micro? Both? Either way, there are awesome sites online for review. I was actually considering taking AP Macro economics because it's very conceptual. On the other hand, Micro is more specific. I guess the names say it all (macro is a prefix for big, so it encompasses big topics: concepts) and (micro is a prefix for small, so it deals with smaller more detailed topics). It just so happens that macro deals with entire economies and has a global scope. Micro deals with individual decisions of consumers and how they affect the overall economy. It's your choice. I've also heard that these are quick and easy to independent study!</p>
<p>Calc BC: While I am in Calc AB, I know a bit about BC. In my school only 8 students take it! The college board tries to make u think that AB is more of a 1/2 year course and BC is a full-year but AB is actually more of the equivalent of a 2/3 year college calc course. BC does go into a lot further depth and it covers many advanced topics. If you take BC, you get an AB subscore. If you're not very strong in math, you may consider just taking AB. Who knows, you may find AB easy, and you can self-study for BC.</p>
<p>AP Spanish: I'm a native speaker. I got a 5. I'm not sure whether or not you are a native speaker, but even non-native speakers have scored 5s! Just get a good review book and practice as much as you can after school with your teacher. Preferably get a review book w/ a CD so you can practice the speaking and listening parts! ¡Buena suerte!</p>
<p>AP US History: This was one of my favorite APs. I got the only 5 in my school (of about 40 students) last year. It was one of my more demanding AP classes. The teacher was very hard on us w/ our writing. I thank him so much for it! READ THE AMSCO USH REVIEW BOOK! READ IT COVER TO COVER and you will get a 5! I did! It's the absolute BEST review book I've ever used in any subject, EVER! I recommend it wholeheartedly!</p>
<p>AP Physics: Which one? B? C? Mech? E&M? I'm currently taking Physics B. It's my hardest class. Honestly, you'll get TONS of hw (depending on your teacher) and you will probably have to decipher a really impossible-to-read textbook. We're using Giancoli's Physics textbook. :-( On the bright side, if you convert my mid-term grade to an AP score, I would have gotten a 4! My teacher grades the same way as the College Board. I recommend that you get a review book early on in your course and read the topics in the review book as your teacher goes through them!</p>
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<p>AP Biology: I'm in that right now. I have to say, it's one of my easiest classes. Unfortunately, my teacher doesn't do so well with keeping on schedule! I can see that I will have to cover many of the AP topics on my own. So will the rest of the class. If this is your case, my advice for AP Physics applies here too. Get a review book and study the whole year. Barron's and 5 Steps to a 5 are both good for AP Bio. Read the summaries about the labs before you do them in class. Not only will you get to secretly know exactly what will happen before everyone else (lol) but you will also understand everything a lot better! The Princeton Review book is also really good. It's got great mnemonic devices (like SPONCH <-- a trick to remember the most common elements present in all life forms: in order!!! Sulfur, Phosphorous, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, and Hydrogen <--- with Hydrogen being the most common)!</p>
<p>And about your last question: again it depends on where you want to go to college. Some schools are satisfied that you could handle the courseload, regardless of the exam. Other schools depend on the score for placement. Also, I know at least in my school, that if you don't take the exam, that the AP designation doesn't show up on your transcript. Maybe it's the same for you. It ought to be! If not, then you're lucky!</p>
<p>I hope my post has been helpful! Please let me know. And good luck to you!!!</p>
<p>-Jon :)</p>