Is self studying for these four APs reasonable?

<p>I am considering self studying AP Lit, Art History, Euro and World, all of which would be taken in May of next year. I am extremely dedicated, as well as interested in the subjects, but I still would like some outside input. My other option is to study for AP Lit, World and US and then take the corresponding SAT Subject tests a month later. It's very important that I get 5s on the APs and over 700 on the subject tests. Given a start date of January 1st, are both of these options feasible? I'm up for the extra challenge of doing all four because I'm slightly more interested in Euro vs. US, and I love Art History, but I don't want to end up with a (literally) impossible amount of work and score lower. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>It is reasonable if you are a humanities/history person. Obviously, if you are a science guy who hates history, you would just waste your time, and it would be pointless.</p>

<p>Otherwise, it is certainly possible though. There was someone on here last year who took 17 APs (including the majority as self-studies). She made a blog about it, and I think her name is Emily, so you can search around for her posts if you’d like to read about her experiences with that – I think the bottom-line was that it was tough.</p>

<p>I am self-studying for ap art history (along with taking 3 other APs in school) and finding it extremely difficult. There is A LOT of memorization not to mention a ton of actual material to learn. When you’re taking 6 other academic subjects which you have tests, hw, quizzes, etc for, it can be hard to find the time to sit down and dedicate yourself to reading about roman art. I loved world history though (took it in school) and got a 5. I’m in APUSh now and am not finding jr too difficult either. So I would never be able to do that, but I guess it depends on how many academic subjects you’re taking, and how many extracurricular obligations you have.</p>

<p>Hmmm, I’ve seen a lot of dissension as to whether self studying AP Art History is a good idea. I’m guessing most people who argue against it lack a passion for the subject or underestimate the amount of preparation needed. Does anyone else have something to say about my two options?</p>

<p>AP art history as a self-study course is hard, because it already requires a ton of self study when memorizing the thousands of pieces, periods, eras, types of media, etc. Daughter took the course, with a great teacher who gave them hints on how to memorize the pieces via songs, sayings or mental pictures. Daughter received a 5, but she worked hard. AP Lit and World history are tough as self study because you need feedback. The daily writing practices are necessary. I don’t think you can get 5’s along with your current coursework doing self-study.</p>

<p>I should note that I will have no other commitments to speak of.</p>

<p>You don’t go to school? You don’t have classes?</p>

<p>Why aren’t your taking these classes at your school?</p>

<p>I’m a community college student who is going to apply to several universities in England. I’ve graduated from high school.</p>

<p>I didn’t think a graduate could use AP coursework after high school. If you are a community college student, you would be considered a transfer student.</p>

<p>I self studied AP World History and was able to get a 5, so I think you should be able to do it as long as you give yourself enough time to prepare.</p>

<p>You cannot transfer into an English University like you can here. It is possible to sit an AP exam after high school, you simply have to contact the school(s) and arrange it.</p>

<p>You can’t put that much pressure on yourself to get 5’s. I would say do it if you won’t totally freak if you miss one of the 5’s, despite your hard work.</p>

<p>I got a 4 and 5 on the two AP exams I took 20 years ago, and the Ivy I went to accepted both for college credit. I think if you have a question “should I do it or not?” you should ask yourself if you try your best and don’t get 5’s, would it have been worth it?</p>

<p>PS - I got a 740 on the SAT subject test for the AP test I got a 4 on.</p>

<p>If you expect to get 5’s on AP tests, I would think 780 or higher on the subject tests would be your goal - above 700 is okay but not stellar on the subject tests in general.</p>

<p>Think of it as the difference between getting a 2100 and 2400 on the SAT - many top schools have 2200 or higher as average SAT scores.</p>

<p>I’m thinking of switching World for Comparative Gov, as that will lighten the load a little bit and I’m not any less interested in Gov.</p>

<p>I’ve taken AP World and AP US, and I’m taking AP Lit right now. The history APs were pretty easy. I’ve done some Lit practice exams and they didn’t seem too hard either. If you don’t mind all the memorization, go for it.</p>

<p>AP courses and tests are really designed for High School Students. The college board knows that high school students are doing sports, community service, and taking coursework while preparing for the AP tests. So if you’re taking AP coursework after high school, of course your scores will be higher!! The universities may accept the courses but you won’t get “credit” hours. You’ll just get the credit that won’t or may not add to your diploma.</p>