Proposed AP Self-Studying for Sophomore Year?

<p>Why take AP biology though? Collegeboard is changing it completely, so wouldn’t it be better to take it next year, when there might be good study guides for it?</p>

<p>You could probably do it though. AP psych and world are really easy, and I’ve heard HUG and ES are as well. My friend self-studied for the AP Euro during his freshman year and got an easy 5, so yeah.</p>

<p>The only ones I wouldn’t recommend taking are calc BC and bio. Why not just take them next year? It’s not like you’re in much of a rush anyways hah.</p>

<p>@Fantasy Vesperia and ridethewave</p>

<p>I agree. I actually enjoy learning. I am the type of person who had very diverse interests, and I want to learn anything that I can. I am interested in pretty much every subject and would like to increase my knowledge. There are many reasons for self-studying. I like to keep my self challenged and have a goal that I can reach. I do also study for things that do not have an AP exam. I read many many history books for fun to increase my knowledge. I study Biology way beyond the AP level for Bio Olympiad. I don’t do it for college. I am the person who looks down upon my friends for doing things just because they “look good”. I know it is even questionable if colleges even look at APs! Also, I will probably end up at a college that doesn’t accept too much credit. I really enjoy what I am learning and AP exam allow me to set goals that allow me to fully stimulate myself. They also let me explore new pathways and find interests. For example, after self-studying AP economics, I have kindled an intrest in Finance that I could potentially pursue as a career. I hope you now understand my perspective and do not stereotype me.</p>

<p>Also, you may ask why I do not take these classes in school? I attend a very prestigious top 20 math and science school. We have an astounding selection of electives offered. If I can gain the same knowledge from spending a year in class by reading a prep book, why would I waste a credit on it. I will now be able to take classes such as Organic Chemistry and Nuclear Physics which I would not have to opportunity to take had i taken AP Psych or Environmental Science.</p>

<p>A plan like that sounds very stressful. Beyond taking a heavy class load and doing well in that is fine with colleges. After 4-6 it doesn’t really matter how many tests you take. At a Caltech info session the admissions counselor said “Having a lot of fives on AP exams just shows us that you’re good at taking tests.” By only taking tests in the classes you are enrolled in you’ll have an easier time getting fives and you’ll have more time to do something that you want to do.</p>