<p>The term "self study" is tossed around so much on CC, but honestly how hard is it? Like I want to self study AP Psych and AP Human Geo but like how long would that take, and how hard will it be?</p>
<p>It depends on the tests. For those subjects, I think as long as you thorougly understand the prep books, you should get a 5</p>
<p>It depends on the exam and how you learn. AP English Language is SOOOO easy to self-study, no matter who you are. But for everything else, I think that you’re capable of self-studying an exam if you have a real aptitude in that subject: science people can self-study AP Physics, history people can self-study AP Euro, etc.</p>
<p>Thank you for the really general answers…</p>
<p>Of the two exams you mention, I self-studied AP Psych. I began studying January 28th for the 2010 test. I used two prep books: Barrons and 5 Steps to a 5. I paced myself and studied all the chapters in each book. I took all the practice tests in each book and looked up some real past tests online. Looking back, it was relatively easy to self study. And by relatively, I mean knowing what was in the prep books was enough to get a 5. I didnt take notes, I simply read through and re-read the books. </p>
<p>If you can manage your time and have the self discipline to sit down and study, then it is definitely not hard.</p>
<p>I think the biggest challenge you’re going to have is motivation and persistence to do it.
If it’s about three or four months away, try studying an hour five days a week. Or just try different methods. The other thing that seems to happen is that one AP score is higher than the other because of studying more than the other. I did both AP Psych and AP Human Geo and it was hard to balance. I had heard rumors that AP Psych is ridiculously easy and Human Geo was crazy hard. So I studied hard for Geo. I got a 5 in Geo but the Psych test was a lot harder than people had said. I didn’t do as well, earning a 3.</p>
<p>I took Human Geography last year, and it was pretty easy. One thing I would recommend is to pay lots of attention to current events and also find examples of various things. </p>
<p>But overall, it was a pretty simple test, and easy to self-study.</p>
<p>WAIT! You have to know current events for AP Human Geo!? Thanks a little unfair</p>
<p>bump! please answer my question above</p>
<p>What is your question?</p>
<p>Do you have to know current events for Human Geo?</p>
<p>It helped me. I don’t exactly remember if the test requires it, but I remember connecting modern day events to concepts/definitions learned, and that helped A LOT.</p>
<p>Also, it’s nice to be educated, and it also shouldn’t throw off your studying schedule a whole lot, since all you have to do is check any newspaper for like 15 minutes a week.</p>