I was wondering...

<p>I want to apply for many BA/MD programs and i know that biology is an important course. The problem is that my school does not offer Bio AP ans so i eas wondering if Bio would be hard to self study. And if i can what prep books would i use</p>

<p>bump..............</p>

<p>After a lackluster AP Bio class at my school, I essentially self-studied using a combination of the Cliffs AP Biology book, the traditionally-used Campbell Biology textbook, and (maybe) Cracking the AP Biology Exam. Now, I managed a 5 on the test (and found it to be incredibly easy - many of the questions were simply matching vocab words to definitions), but I really don't feel that I learned anything, at all. </p>

<p>Unless you are a rising junior planning to self-study and take the test before your senior year, it will be difficult to demonstrate to colleges that you are independently self-studying. Could you convince your school to let you take an independent study period, an on-line AP Bio course, or maybe an introductory Biology class at a local university or community college? Any of those options would provide you with something on your transcript to demonstrate your commitment, and would go much further than simply stating "I plan to study by myself for an AP Test."</p>

<p>Cliff's definitely. Our ap class only went through about 1/3 or at most 1/2 of what would be on the ap exam early on in the year so by may I had forgotten everything (or hadn't learned it to begin with). Our teacher made us buy cliffnotes so i read cliffnotes all day the day before the test and got a 5 :D.</p>

<p>Hi, I self-studied. My school offers AP Biology, but I never knew that I could sign up (I'm a freshman, going to be a sophomore). I found a textbook & read through it once. I didn't really stop for all the details - textbook always have loads of gritty info that's unlikely to be on the exam. Most people use Campbell/Reece, but I don't really recommend it. It's good for reference though. I read Biology: Life on Earth (Audesirk).</p>

<p>I started studying second semester, actually. It's mostly memorization, but enough exposure helps. I crammed (don't cram!). Try to read a good textbook that works for you first, then read a good prep book. A thorough reading of Barron's will do. I read both Cliffs & Barron's. Both are really good, but I'm a fan of Barron's, so I read it twice. It explains things well & I got a 5.</p>

<p>Practice the multiple choice - get prep books & do the practice exams. Many questions are really similar. & don't get Kaplans! It sucks!</p>

<p>I hope this helped - good luck!</p>

<p>If you're interested in a BA/MD program, you may have to retake general biology at a university anyway once you get to college.</p>

<p>Check out your Virtual School if they offer AP Bio. I know Florida Virtual School has one.</p>