How Difficult is Self-Studying AP Test?

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
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<p>Hi everybody!</p>

<p>I was looking for some advice on self-studying multiple AP subjects. Next year I'll be a junior in high school, and I'm planning on studying abroad in Japan for the fall semester. I'm super excited; however, I'm taking 4 AP classes this year, so (based on my high school's usual course progression) I had previously been planning on taking all AP classes next year. My school offers a summer school program so that I can make sure I have all of my junior-year credits completed before I go out to Japan; however, these are offered only in on-level.</p>

<p>Therefore, my plan is to take those summer courses to ensure I have the credit and then self-study the AP's over the summer and during the spring semester after I get back from Japan. I'm very focused and a hard-worker, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to wrap my head around some of the concepts by just reading the textbooks and prep-books. I was hoping for some advice from people who have possibly self-studied numerous AP's in a year or who have self-studied:</p>

<p>AP Spanish Lang, AP Calc BC, AP Physics II, AP U.S. History, AP Lang, AP Chemistry, or AP Japanese Lang. (<-- I know that might seem like a lot, but that's the path my guidance counselor suggested. Plus, I don't have a particular career path in mind or a particular strength in one subject over another.)</p>

<p>If you do have experience, advice would be greatly appreciated! Like....
How long do you suggest to study?
Do you suggest a textbook and prep-book, or would just a prep-book suffice?
How hard are the concepts to study (i.e. would a tutor be necessary)?
etc.</p>

<p>I'm sorry this post is so long!! I tried to shorten it as much as possible... Thanks for any help :)</p>

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<p>I’m not sure how one self studies AP Lang. It’s impossible to do in a vacuum; you really need someone to evaluate your essay-writing skills</p>

<p>Similarly, I don’t know how to self study a foreign language; you either know how to speak the language or you don’t. Other than familiarizing yourself with the test format, I’m not sure what’s to be gained.</p>

<p>USH, Calc, and sciences can definitely be self-studied if you’re taking an on-level course, although how many you can do simultaneously is another question, especially since we don’t know what else you have going on next Spring. Personally, I think you’re biting off more than you can chew.</p>

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<p>The main problem is that almost all of these except APUSH are skill oriented disciplines. You would need to practice problems and writing every day and that would probably be too much.</p>

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<p>My experience/opinion:</p>

<p>AP English Language: I self studied AP Lang last year, and didn’t find it way too hard: just a lot of practice essays. However, already being a good writer is pretty much necessary. I used Princeton Review and Kaplan, but I’ve heard Cliff Notes is better. </p>

<p>AP Calculus: I took it last year (dual enrollment) and am self studying it this year. If you’ve done a regular calc class and are fairly good in math, AP Calc shouldn’t be much harder. Again, I’m using Princeton Review, with online sites like KhanAcademy and mathsisfun.com.</p>

<p>AP Physics: I’m self studying it this year, but have covered a lot of the topics in math. If you are good with math-based subjects, physics isn’t that much harder. It’s just a ton of equations to memorize in addition to logic. I was using the Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Giancoli, but found it really hard to understand. PR was once again my favorite, with concise explanations and many examples.</p>

<p>APUSH: It’s memorization based, as I learned the hard way this year. I’m dual enrolling to take it and self-studying for the test, and my main tip is to make sure you like history! Background in US history is definitely helpful, but not necessary. I decided to just stick with PR, and they have summaries of each time period. I make note cards to quiz myself on and will start doing practice essays soon.</p>

<p>AP Chemistry: I took a chemistry class that technically prepared me for the AP test, but decided against taking it since I wasn’t yet in high school. Labs really, really help, and make it way more fun. If you’ve taken regular chemistry, it’s probably doable. Studying it from a textbook really isn’t any fun. I prepared for the SAT Chemistry test with Kaplan and PR, but didn’t do well (670 (?) but I was in 8th grade, so I just didn’t keep it). </p>

<p>Foreign languages: If you’re already proficient, or have a parent/sibling/friend/etc. who can help you, it’s probably doable. If not…I’m not sure how you would learn it by yourself, unless you use Rosetta Stone or some other foreign language learning software. I guess it’s sort of like English: you can practice, but it’s hard to self-teach.</p>

<p>That was really long…hopefully something in there helps! Good luck!</p>

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<p>@skieurope and @jimmyboy23 thank you for the input; I’ll be sure to be cautious about which subjects I actually choose to pick. Luckily, I’ll have a free schedule in the following spring so I can spend a lot time studying.</p>

<p>@Andr01d thank you so much for the advice, I’ll be sure to keep it in mind… I’m taking AP World this year, and it’s so much information; I hope APUSH isn’t much more. And foreign languages – I agree, but luckily I’ll have a couple months in Japan to get my Japanese at a good level… Btw, you really seem like a genius, especially taking advanced chemistry before high school and all the dual enrollment. I really appreciate your help, and good luck with US History!</p>