How to get a 5 in AP Biology (self-study)?

I am determined to self study for the AP Biology test next year. I will only have from November 2019 until the test in May 2020 to study (6 months) to study for it? I have no previous biology experience but have experience in self-studying. How should I study for the test? What resources should I use (books, websites, videos, etc.)? Is 6 months enough?
Thanks!

I don’t want to scare you, but you should know that the ap biology exam is quite difficult. Only about 6% of test takers score a 5, and I would assume most of them took the course in school. However, that isn’t to say that it cannot be done. I took the exam in 2017, so I’m not sure if it has changed at all, but here’s some advice from my experience.

  1. Know your stuff in and out. I mean REALLY know it. Be able to explain photosynthesis and cellular respiration in detail start to finish. A good way to see if you know the material is to try teaching it/reciting it. Find a friend, parent, really anyone and have them ask you to explain different subjects.
  2. Use practice tests and books. Personally I used the Barron's book (and have for multiple AP tests since. I think they're really good about condensing material and providing realistic practice tests. Also make sure you take a couple practice tests in "test mode" meaning turn off your phone, sit at a desk (no music), and give yourself the allotted time so you can really put yourself into that situation before it happens.
  3. Drill frqs. Again, Barron's or other practice books are helpful for these, but you can also look at previous test questions online, or ask friends/teachers for any they may have from their class. My teacher giving us lots of practice with free response was the single most helpful thing for preparation in my opinion.
  4. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. There will be times where you really don't want to study. Take breaks, try not to stress too much, but do not put studying off until April. It will be way more painful if you have to cram it into a month or two rather than taking your time for several months. 6 months isn't a super long time but it isn't impossible if you have free time, if you tend to be really busy with school, work, sports, ec's, etc then consider doing a chapter or two in october/november

Also remember that biology is super cool and fun. Find inspiration in the material, find a reason to enjoy it and it will be much easier. Plus ask for help if you need it. There is no shame in consulting a teacher, tutor, or previous student. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for the advice! Do you have any suggestions on how to effectively learn the material? Is the Barron’s or any other prep book sufficient to do so or would you recommend something else?

@soccerhockey prep books and college board practice tests are definitely helpful. I would also recommend Hank Green’s crash course biology series on youtube (Definitely helped me and often times made the material more interesting) can’t think of any others that I used off the top of my head but if I do I’ll let you know!

Alternatively, just take the class. Your time would be better spent doing something other than self studying.

I’m all for self-studying, except for the APs with labs - Bio, Chem and Physics. If your school doesn’t offer the class, it sounds like some of the online AP classes available have good virtual labs. I rarely divert a question, I usually answer questions in its original form but felt this was important enough to mention this.

Having said all that, in addition to what has been mentioned, Khan Academy is an excellent supplemental as well.

If you’re in an AP biology class with a textbook, I’d recommend using Mastering Biology. You can take practice tests for each chapter and there’s a lot of options to study! Even if your teacher doesn’t give you a class code, I’m pretty sure you can make your own account to self-study as long as you have the right textbook.

The AP Edition of the Campbell Biology In Focus Second Edition textbook is what my class uses, and it works very well - would definitely recommend.