<p>I am currently a sophomore in high school. I recently began preparing for the SAT Subject Tests and found that I favor learning much more when I do it outside of school.</p>
<p>I have signed up for four APs and one Honors course for my junior year. The APs are Chemistry, Calculus AB, Biology, and Psychology. The Honors course is in English Literature and is supposed by this year's juniors to be very difficult (<5% get an A). Our school does not permit underclassmen to take AP classes or the tests even if the student has fulfilled the prerequisite. Therefore, this is the most demanding courseload my school allows. </p>
<p>Out of both interest and a desire to achieve National AP Scholarship, I am considering supplementing those APs with five self-studies: Micro/Macoeconomics, Statistics, Environmental Science, and Human Geography. </p>
<p>Since I have never taken an AP class before, I am not sure whether this schedule is practical. For individual context: I hope to apply to the Ivies and Stanford, currently have an unweighted GPA of 4.0, and am generally a quick learner (I haven't yet been challenged in trying to recieve an A).</p>
<p>I am also wondering how much of a positive effect this will have on my application. I don't want to risk comprising my grades in school unless the self-studied APs benefit me in a meaningful way.</p>
<p>AP tests are hard. I know that to a sophomore they seem easy since on most of them you really only have to get 50% or so to get a 5 but they are very challenging. I’m currently struggling with 4 (Bio, Gov, Language and Comp, and Euro) and it’s not a good time. Self studying one or two APs probably isn’t that bad, but self-studying for 5 when your taking 4 more, isn’t the greatest idea. Plus, 9 three hour tests in two weeks? You wouldn’t enjoy that.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t self study 5 if this is the first year I’m ever taking AP Classes. You have never had to do work at an AP level, so doing 9 at an AP level is a tremendous task. Chem and Bio are two of the toughest AP’s, and Stats/Calc/Econ are no joke either. You don’t want to be entirely one dimensional [academic]; use your time to develop as a person and do activities that you enjoy.</p>
<p>I am aware that it may be difficult. However, I will attempt it if I know it will likely contribute significantly to my application. Can anyone comment on its benefit?</p>
<p>That depends on a lot of factors. Self studying looks good if you come from a school where there are few ap classes, but you won’t be penalized if you don’t have like 10 ap classes by the time you graduate. Honestly, I think taking those 4 and self studying maybe 1 or 2 along with time for EC’s is much better than doing 9 and just studying all the time. Plus, most of the ones you want to self-study are regarded as “easy” tests to learn from. In addition, you already have a “challenging” courseload so taking more won’t make a big difference. Take classes you’re interested in - don’t take extra AP’s just to pad up your app.</p>
<p>Can what you’ve proposed be done? Yes. Environmental Science and Human Geography are some of the most straightforward APs you’ll come across. The Micro/Macro material isn’t challenging, and if you’re ready for Calc AB you’ll be fine with Stats. However, you do have a tough schedule. Just be realistic about what you can handle–again, only you know. Think out your decision over the summer.</p>
<p>I have similar plans, by the way. I’m working on being a National AP Scholar by the end of junior year. Next year I have Calculus AB, Chemistry, Physics B, U.S. History, and English Language in my schedule, and I’m self-studying U.S. Government and Psychology. I’m only taking one AP right now, so it’ll be a pretty big shift in gears. Good luck to both of us!</p>
<p>Work specifically on the ones you are taking classes for and make sure you take those APs.
I faced a similar dilemma because my school only offers like 6.
The self study APs should be studied much later on in the year because they don’t take as long. I also don’t think 9 is practical, and I don’t think you should hurt some of your scores so you could just take more.</p>
<p>If self-studying those APs turn out to be a huge time commitment and takes time away from ECs and/or make your GPA drop, then they are not worth it. </p>
<p>EDIT: You only have to get 8 APs to get National AP scholar. I would recommend getting rid of Stats or Micro from the 5 self-studies course. There would be minimal impact to your application (you still get the National AP award, and the difference between 8 or 9 APs is minimal at best. Moreover, colleges will be impressed by your ability to self study 4 APs).</p>
<p>AP classes will probably be the hardest that you take, especially if you do well. Furthermore, the self-studies will be very difficult. It requires extreme discipline to do well on those and to continue to maintain the same GPA. Don’t blow this off as some stupid warning - you’re talking to a sophomore entering junior year at a highly competative prep school with an unweighted GPA of 4.0, just like you. I took two APs this year and was challenged for the first time. I wish you the best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the updated advice. I figure that I’ll attempt to do them and dump some or all of the self-studies at the first sign that it is necessary to do so.</p>
<p>Don’t dump 'em. You can do it. They’re overhyped because they’re the current high standard along with IB… but the tests really aren’t too difficult. More depends on how your class prepares you for them.</p>
<p>It’s quite doable imo. There’s a difference between getting a 5 and actually mastering the subject matter. The latter takes years to a lifetime, so don’t feel like you’re not learning if you do take the task. But you can do it. Approach with optimism.</p>
<p>Silver, you’ve taken the SAT like 50 times in your sophomore year? If you are a rising junior, that suggests you’ve taken the SAT like… 6 times in your sophomore year.</p>
<p>I can assure you silverturtle has neither taken the SAT 50 times nor 6 times. As far as I’m concerned, he has only taken it twice. Please do not make such absurd claims, and next time, make sure to question the logical coherency of something you intend on saying before you say it.</p>