Self-study for 7th and 8th graders

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
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<p>CTScoutMom:
“It’s great that your kids did well on the ACT - but they didn’t do THAT well. The students you refer to who claimed these exams were easy, and they only studied a week often did so after taking the class! Those that self-studied often did so after already mastering the art of taking AP tests, and are scoring far above a 24 on the ACT. A 24 in 7th grade suggests that he will do very well when he takes it again in HS, but it hasn’t happened yet. How will he end up doing well then? By living his life now!”</p>

<p>This is an important point. High-school juniors and seniors scoring a 24 on the ACT probably are not taking very many APs. The students on here who are taking as many APs as they can find also are scoring well over 30 on the ACT, I’d be willing to bet. When EvD’s kids are in high school, odds are they also will score comfortably over 30 on the ACT, and they will be ready to take on multiple APs each year.</p>

<p>I think EvD is misinterpreting reactions on this thread. With very few exceptions, the best way to prepare for college is not to take APs in middle school. Laying the groundwork for excelling in high school makes more sense – read, read, read. And the reasoning that not wanting to take APs in middle school = lack of motivation and desire to help the family is flawed.</p>

<p>I do know a (very) few students who have taken AP exams earlier in their academic careers. The ones I know I have unusual needs that are not met in a standard school situation. For example: My son took his first APs at thirteen and did well; he was twelve when he took the ACT, and scored a 35.</p>

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<p>WOW! ridethewave -what an amazing talent your son has! My D took her first AP exam as a 13 year old freshman and was able to get a “5” without technically taking the class but her history teacher knows the AP format inside and out and really helped this small group of 6 kids. All passed but these were all bright/gifted kids to begin with and the teacher held about 6 after school study sessions for them. Our school had dumped the AP Euro the year before because of the low pass rate and adopted the AICE Modern European history instead so we had to pay for the Ap test as well as split the cost of the proctor but it was worth it.</p>

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<p>Please realize that for “the easy APs” (it truly makes me CRAZY that everyone calls them that… They are not easy!) but for classes like AP Psych, AP HUG, and AP ES, you really need to get to get a 5 in those classes for them to matter. 11.6% of high schoolers who took the AP HUG test last year got a 5. I doubt your 14 year old, who has never taken an AP class in his life, is disciplined enough to self study to the point that is necessary to do that well in May. </p>

<p>You asked for advice and most of us gave you our honest assessment, but you don’t like what we have to say so you insult us by saying “that we’ll run to Daddy for money.” You, sir, are clueless about how hard some of us work on a daily basis.</p>