@coffeeat3 IMO the case you described (which also occurs in our HS which does not have AP classes) is different from self studying – in the scenario you described the students are taking a related class in HS (even if it isn’t designated as an AP class). They are learning from a teacher, taking exams, doing assignments throughout the year etc. They may self-study for any gaps and to learn the format of the AP exam but most of the learning is done in school. In the OP’s case he/she is planning to study just from a review book and take an AP exam with no related coursework.