I’m a freshman in high school currently, and next year, since the only AP I can take is APUSH, I’m looking at self-studying 2 AP courses to do before my junior year (in which I cannot possibly self-study anything). I want to be something of a science, biochemistry or biomedical major, so I want to self-study AP Psych and AP Env. Science. I’ve heard these are among the easiest AP courses but combined they can be a big hassle. Should I go for both of them?
For what purpose? If you HS offers the classes, you are better off taking them as an actual class, even if it’s in a later year. As an FYI, self studying is fine for getting potential college credit, or to satisfy intellectual curiosity, but don’t do it to impress colleges - they won’t be impressed.
It depends on what you can gain by self-studying. If you plan on taking another psych class at your local community college or university at a higher level than AP, go for it. If you need to save money in college, go for it at least in APES as the material will not be vital in another class. If you want to lower your workload in college, go for it. Otherwise, if you are just doing it for admissions, don’t.
Self studying will take time from work/life balance and ECs. It is more likely to be detrimental (by taking up time that’s be better used otherwise) than helpful. Colleges in particular want you in class, working, participating, doing group work, taking tests. Also, they don’t expect more than 6-8 APs or equivalent w and never I’d these would repzlxena core class (English,Math, Social science, Science, Foreign language).