Self-study AP Bio, is it worth it?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I know there are hundreds with this topic, but they have mostly been written by people who are actually interested in pursuing the science field. I, on the other hand, am interested in philosophy, economy, political science, etc -- you get the picture -- to follow by law school to study constitutional law. Ergo, I have little interest in science. However, I am intrigued by physics and chemistry, so I am definitely willing to take those two AP's.</p>

<p>I'm a sophomore, took AP World last year (5), taking AP US this year and self-studying AP Psych (after taking regular Psych), and took my first high school SAT this year (took one in 7th grade for Duke TIP). I'm planning to take AP Chem and Physics next two years in high school, along with AP Eng, AP Econ, AP Gov, (maybe AP Spanish) and participate in dual enrollment at the state flagship college, and not to mention three more attempts at the SAT.</p>

<p>I am considering to self-study AP Bio with the help of students who are actually in AP Bio and the teacher. People tell me it is a bad idea, but they do admit that it's just mainly memorization. I would do it because I have no other time to do it if I don't do it this year, but I really have absolutely no interest in this subject. </p>

<p>My goals are somewhere along the Ivy League. Is AP Bio really worth it if I'm going to take AP Chem and AP Physics as well to show my interest in other fields?</p>

2

<p>Bump bump bump</p>

3

<p>Probably a bad idea at this point. But if you have extra time and can keep up with the kids in the class then go for it.</p>

4

<p>By the way, I have already taken an advanced bio class last semester and have already bought the best recommended books (Cliff’s and Barron’s).</p>

<p>I’m maintaining a 97 in APUS, 100 in advanced math 3, 98 in adv. Spanish 3, and a 98 in advanced English. Also, I’m in the top 1.5% in my class.</p>

5

<p>If you have no interest, I would advise against self-studying. It is a labor of love, more than anything else, in all honesty. Last year, I self-studied AP World, and though I got a 5, it was a harrowing task, pulling a few all-nighters just to make sure I had adequately covered everything. And I want to major in History and Poli Sci. Therefore, unless you really feel you have the discipline to learn AP Bio (which is in and of itself quite a bit of work, because you also need to learn how to write in such a manner as to exploit the rubric), then I would urge you to skip it. </p>

<p>Self-studying really helps in areas where you have a keen interest, but it is exceedingly difficult to do so without that drive. Also, even having taken an “advanced” biology class, I doubt highly that you hit all of the topics that AP bio harps on, and even if you did, I doubt that you covered it with the depth that the exam requires.</p>

6

<p>Thank you!</p>