<p>My daughter wants to self-study for a couple of extra AP exams this year (Junior year) in order to have 8 AP with scores of 4 or higher and be designated as a National AP Scholar. From an admisisions standpoint, is it worth it? She took APUSH (5), AP Bio (4), and AP Psych (5) in 9th grade as a homeschooler; AP Chem (5) in 10th grade as a homeschooler; and is taking AP Calc BC and AP Physics B at school this year. So she would need two more to make 8 if the school is willing to order the tests for her (small school that doesn't offer a lot of APs). If it's worth it, what's doable? Is Physics C mechanics much extra prep beyond Physics B? The two econs? (I could teach her that) Expand her European Civ course to AP prep? I wouldn't ask if she had a lot of extra time, but her schedule is packed with a 25 hour a week EC.
Thanks!</p>
<p>It's a rare academic distinction. That doesn't guarantee admission at [you-know-what small list of colleges], but it does show drive and eagerness to learn, especially if some of the tests are taken after self-study.</p>
<p>Physics C is could pose a problem for her.
Many people struggle to understand the abstract concepts, it would depend on how good her physics and visualization skills are.
I would recommend music theory if she plays an instrument and has a good ear. That an psych are generally considered to be easier to self-study.
Econ is a good option since she has taken Calc.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback. I think she will be relying on testing a bit more than other kids since, as a homeschooler, her only grades so far are for two semesters of Chemistry at the community college last year. Hopefully, she'll have stellar grades this year at her new school.</p>
<p>Music theory is an interesting idea. I'll suggest she look at that since she has done a lot of music theory testing associated with her study of piano. She already took AP Psych. I think you may be right about Physics C--she has a strong interest in it and would be studying it if it were offered, but maybe that should wait for 12th grade.</p>
<p>I'm new to this board--messages get buried really fast here!</p>
<p>Anyway, hoping for more response about the National AP Scholar designation, but would also like to hear from someone who self-studied for AP Physics C Mechanics while taking AP Physics B. My daughter is taking Calc BC now, so I'm wondering if she should just follow along in a calc based Physics book during the course, at least for the mechanics part. Any textbook recommendations?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I've took music theory after playing piano for 8 years and got a 3. Statistics would be a much safer bet. That or Human Geography.</p>
<p>actually i think the safest bet is the two econ's. not only do they not require too much visualization and work to actually comprehend the concepts, but they are also very involved with each other... at least i think that if you get one, you should be able to get the other. i think 4's in these tests are extremely doable if the student studies and understands supply and demand, fiscal and monetary policy, differences between competitive and non competitive markets, and the basics (competitive advantage, marginal stuff, etc.)</p>
<p>edit: and yes i do think it is worth it. you really dont see that many national ap scholars, even on cc</p>
<p>I got the award junior year, not too hard. Take Euro and world history, they're extremely easy. Econ is ridiculously easy too.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. These are some great ideas. I'll have her look over the review books for these subjects and see what she thinks.</p>
<p>Mathmajor--thanks for adding the point about the worth of the national ap scholar designation. She really wants to do it, but even studying for the easier subjects is going to come on top of a heavy load and I wasn't sure whether to encourage her.</p>