<p>Last year, as a junior, I took the AP Chemistry test without taking the course. I self-studied for the test because the colleges I am applying to want at least one year of chemistry, biology and physics. However, recently my parents told me that colleges may not like the idea of self-studied AP testing because I am not actually learning everything; I am just learning what I need to pass the test. Will this affect the colleges' view of me to the point where it can also affect college admittance?</p>
<p>What colleges are you aiming for? If you have four years of lab sciences, but had no room for chem, then it might be OK. But most colleges are looking for a full year of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and then a fourth, maybe AP.</p>
<p>No, no, no–self-studying for such technical APs will never hurt you. Self-studying shows initiative, especially if you’ve done chem research outside of school or have other scientific EC pursuits. On the other hand, self-studying for Enviro Sci and getting a 2 is another story.</p>
<p>I am shooting for colleges that have BS/MD programs such as Drexel, Northwestern, George Washinton Univ., etc.</p>
<p>These are the classes I took.
Freshmen: Biology Honors
Sophomore: Chemistry Honors
Junior: AP Biology
Senior: AP Physics (not completed yet)</p>
<p>Many of my friends will have completed AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics by the end of their senior year. I was scared that if I was compared to another applicant who took the AP Chemistry course, colleges would be more inclined to accept the other applicant. Therefore, I took Ap Chemistry test as well so I can be on the same level. What I meant to ask is if getting a passing AP score as good as taking the AP course?</p>
<p>You have a great list of science classes–the Chem AP self-study will look like you took the initiative, and became proficient at even one more AP. </p>
<p>I’d say you are very-well positioned for your target colleges–good luck!!</p>
<p>Self-study AP can be abused, and that’s probably what your parents have heard about. Some people will buy a study guide for a one-semester AP course like Psych or Comparative Government, cram for a few weeks, and score well on the test. But it’s much harder to do that for a year-long science course (especially with the free response), and the science classes you have taken attest to your strength. Your self-studied AP Chem score will help you, not hurt you.</p>
<p>Then again, keep in mind that you don’t even HAVE to send you AP scores if you choose not to. If you sent your scores and got a 2 on an AP that you self studied for, that will end up hurting you. Since you got a 4, you’re in good shape!</p>
<p>The 4 will show that you took the initiative to take the course and that you self-studied well, as evidenced by the great score.</p>
<p>There’s no harm done with self study. It shows initiative, especially if it’s done for the right reason – i.e. intellectual curiosity, preparation for an advanced course and the like.</p>
<p>That said, self study of a lab science course for the purpose of taking the AP exam is somewhat of a contradiction. The lab component is key to all core science courses, and that component is extremely difficult to create in a self study approach. That test takers can get 4s and 5s without the lab shows the flaws of AP testing. In the “equivalent” college course (think introductory chemistry at a strong academic university) the notion of self study of chemistry or biology or physics makes very little sense.</p>