Hello, I am a junior this year and I have some questions about AP.
I am looking to get an astronomy or physics major, which is Science.
Since our school does not offer any AP classes, I’ve self studied Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, and Physics 1 last academic year of 2014-15 and Got 5(subscore 5),5,4 respectively.
I heard that in order to apply some high-level colleges, you’ve gotta have at least 10 APs (to make your chances high)
So, since I can’t get any help from any teacher material because there are no AP courses, I am trying to self study this year one more time.
I am looking for take Human Geography, Environmental Science, and Psychology, since I’ve heard those are the best subjects to self study. And maybe Physics 2 or Physics C.
AND, I am planning to take JAPANESE AP (Which is crazy because only 0.6% of AP students take this)
Because I have a decent Japanese skill. I am pretty confident.
(And I am not Japanese. I have no family or relative who is Japanese. 100% self studied by Animes and Mangas)
I was just curious, Is it really worth it to take Japanese test? EVEN IF I AM MAJORING IN SCIENCE?
(Also, I am planning to take the SAT 2 JAPANESE this November. IS IT WORTH IT TOO…?)
Plus, I want to get some help with self studying. Last time I just bought Barron’s for all three tests and it was awful. I mean it helped, but the material was superfluous.
So what books do you recommend and how do you self study for AP?
Thank you very much!
Yes, if you are planning to apply to a college that has a foreign language requirement for graduation, the AP or SAT Subject Test could waive that requirement depending upon the score. Specific policies vary by college, so check them out. Taking both exams is probably not necessary. In terms of materials, few people take these exams, so there is not an abundance of material from which to choose, although I am of the opinion that for foreign language tests, you either know it, or you don’t.
I used Barron’s for AP Psych and I was fine with it. No personal experience with APES or APHG.
Thanks for your kind advice.
Yeah I’ve heard a lot about Barron’s psych. They say it’s pretty good.
I won’t need to take both? Then which do you think I should…?
It’s a hard call with Japanese since the Subject Test is only offered in November. Normally, I would say the Subject Test because it’s cheaper, unless college credit matters to you. Depending on your level of preparation, you might want to take the Subject Test, and if you are happy with your score, call it a day. If you fell like you can do better, then you can decide to take the AP Exam. But really, your call.