<p>but i am currently self-studying for a lot of exams (10 +). </p>
<p>I don't want to say the number, but anyway, I am taking the exams because I feel that the exams that I want to take are important introductory classes that every human being should know about. For example, the importance of European history is absolute: european history -> intellectual history.</p>
<p>The thing is, when I go to college, I don't plan on using any of these exams for credit. I feel that learning in college is absolutely indispensable. But I just want to see the material at a glance. Now, I feel that the knowledge gained is so amazing, but is it really worth 800$ for ap exams for exams that I am not even going to use? I know that if I just wanted to learn the knowledge I could just take a practice test, but I really want to be noticed for this.</p>
<p>Also, would this look good on colleges? I have an affinity for learning, but I wonder if colleges will notice that i took so many exams, without the class.</p>
<p>Umm.. I was about to flame you, but went back and read that first line again and controlled myself :]</p>
<p>But do you really want to do this because you feel they're things that "every human being should know about" and are "so amazing"?? I know that sounds good, but it might not be completely true. If you're only planning on "[seeing] the material at a glance," why even bother? You'll learn it in college anyway if you don't use the credit. I'd say to self-study the ones you're not AS interested in [like 6 of them maybe, depending on how high that number is over 10, lol], and possibly go ahead and take the other courses at a community college over the summer? or even at a reg. college? Then you'd have the credit early and get the college learning experience as well. That way, you could devote more time to the classes that you self-study and if you pull off 5s on all of those, maybe you'd WANT to use the credit.</p>
<p>It's not worth 800+ dollars IMO, especially if you're not getting the credit. If you're really set on studying all of these courses, why not just study them and not take the exams for some of them? I don't know, I just can't imagine personally self studying over 10 exams, paying almost a thousand dollars to take exams, and not even using the credit..</p>
<p>And yeah, colleges would notice if you have 10 extra exam scores to submit, especially if they're really good. But they might wonder whyyy? you're taking them. I guess if you still have a life outside of all that and you explain your passion for learning this stuff, it'd be fine.</p>
<p>You know, just bulldozing your way through all those exams would be tough enough, nevermind the scores. I pulled 10 exams junior year, and the double exam days were brutal. I can't imagine the test fatigue involved in 10+....</p>
<p>Now, getting to the point, it really depends on what you're aiming to do with the exams. I ended up spending about $1700 on AP exams, mostly for a shot at AP State and a ridiculous precedent at my high school (out of spite). I nearly spent another $300, but I stopped myself, because I'd chosen a school that didn't grant AP credit. All of my self-studies were subjects that I was personally interested in and considered valuable knowledge. Was it worth it? Heck yes, for the number I took, at least. $1700 was most definitely worth whatever edge it may have been in college admissions, and the scores (the ones I know, at least) justified indulging Collegeboard. </p>
<p>I understand the feeling of wanting to be recognized, and your passion of learning is certainly admirable. However, I do agree with INVENIAMVIAM on taking the courses at college, community or not. They may cost more, but AP tests would probably leave something to be desired. I can cite many 5s where "extremely well qualified" was hardly appropriate in regard to my knowledge of the subject.</p>
<p>Lastly, for college admissions, sure, I think they definitely set you aside, but once you're past 8, there's less point to taking more. There are few enough National Scholar juniors, and there's no other award between 8 and who-knows-how-many-for-State that will distinguish you further. My advice, in conclusion, would be to self-study as many subjects as your heart desires, but limit the craziness. There isn't a designated AP scores section on most apps, including CommonApp. Don't finale with over 20, unless you're aiming for State in Texas, or if money's not a concern. Just my 2¢.</p>
<p>If you're in it just for the learning, why do you have to take the exam at all? Why not just study or take a class for education's sake? Unless you're paying for them all by yourself, $800 is an unfair amount of money to ask your parents for.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, that was a little punch back down to reality. I have been thinking about this lately... and it is most probably better to cut down so many ap exams, and spend that time doing more community service which looks better on apps and in life.</p>
<p>If you stick with that decision [community service] but still want to learn the subjects - remember that you can! But that way you're kind of off the hook.. if you come across something that would be in the curriculum that is really really un-interesting and seemingly unimportant to you, you can just skip it. This way, you can tell colleges you were doing research on your own, self-study some exams, and community service, which makes for a more well-rounded applicant. And I think you'll enjoy it a lot more.</p>
<p>
[quote]
it is most probably better to cut down so many ap exams, and spend that time doing more community service which looks better on apps and in life.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>One does community service to help those in need and feel a sense of personal satisfaction, not to pad one's resume...</p>
<p>No, I think that's a good idea. AP Tests are not unreasonably difficult to prepare for, given you have proper diligence and intellectual curiosity</p>
<p>I self studied for two tests (AP Computer Science, World History), and got 5s on both. I had to read quite a bit, and it wasn't easy - but now I regret not having taken more. In fact I wish I had taken them all. I can only imagine how cool that would be. </p>
<p>Good luck renaissance man! Set a world record and get a 5 on every single AP Test.</p>
<p>o______0 your parents are willing to bankroll this? If you don't plan to use the credit, why pay for exams? If I were you I would just learn the material and explain the learning process in my common app essay!</p>