<p>By the end of my senior year, I'll have studied 3 AP courses: AP Calculus AB (took an online class through CTY), AP Calculus BC, and AP Physics C. I've been done with AB for a while; it was an over-the-summer ordeal. I just have Calc Bc and Physics C now, but I'm finding them hella hard to study alone. Calc actually isn't bad at all, but I'm using Halliday's Fundamentals of Physics for Physics and the problem-solving is HARD. How do you guys manage so many? Do you just buy the test prep books and just use them? I can't bring myself down to that level... I like to have a very solid grasp of what I'm learning.</p>
<p>Maybe I find it so hard because along with the 3-4 actual AP classes I'm taking, I run every day for cross country/track, and I sing at a bunch of places with the choir I'm in. Someone provide me with some clarification here :)</p>
<p>Some people have few extracurriculars, are naturally smart, or maybe have intense dedication? >_></p>
<p>We have no lives.</p>
<p>But seriously, it’s all about smart planning. From what I hear, calc and physics are tough APs to self-study, and ones that you would be better off doing in-school if possible. All three at once? I admire your bravery.</p>
<p>Yeah Physics is a toughie… I had originally planned to do both Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism, but it was just way too much to do on my own. Like I said, I could probably get a test prep book and do fine on the exam, but I care more about actually sitting down and understanding the material! Calc BC I find to be relatively easy on the other hand… but then again, I have like, 5+ books pertaining to calculus (no joke). Math is my passion :D</p>
<p>People generally just self-study easy ones (Env. Science, Human Geography) or ones they are very interested in. But the allure of easy AP Tests is generally more significant.</p>
<p>Most people that decide to self-study are really passionate about the subject… or learning in general. For me, I seem to do better when I teach myself and I believe that’s what motivates me to self-study. Hope you do well on your AP exams!</p>
<p>just have to work hard</p>
<p>If it’s an understanding you’re after, just reading a textbook makes it really tough. I’m self studying AP Physics, but I wouldn’t have a conceptual understanding of half the stuff if it wasn’t for my (regular) physics teacher. </p>
<p>Definitely use some other resources. You might get some insights from Barron’s AP Physics book: for a prep book, it’s very rigorous. Or if you want to practice the kind of thinking for physics problem solving, try some old USAPHO tests. You could also just look up whatever you’re not understanding; there are a lot of sites with good explanations of the concepts.</p>