<p>So next year (senior year) I'm taking three APs (Govt. , Calc BC, and Psychology), but I really want to take a shot at the AP Bio exam to try and get credits or the way since that's my intended major. My school doesnt offer the AP Bio class so I would have to self study anyway. Will self studying bio be realistic with those three APs? The rest of my schedule is supposed to include biology II (anatomy), JROTC, Creative writing, and Spanish III. (That's if everything goes well) I'm hearing different stories about how hard it is to self study the bio subject so can anyone offer any advice or opinions?</p>
<p>I don’t think it would be realistic, as part of AP Biology deals with some labs that you might have a tough time doing on your own, such as gel electrophoresis, measuring cellular respiration, etc. It could be possible, though I think it would be really hard to manage. However, if you really want to try doing it, do it! Even if you don’t pass the test, you would have basic knowledge that would help you in your intended major.</p>
<p>I beg to differ. The new format of the test (which I took this year) places a higher emphasis on understanding. So in reality, you shouldn’t require a year long course to memorize the information. College board also condensed the amount of material tested. For example, the entire section on plants was removed. With a quality text book, like Campbell’s, and a couple study books you should be fine. There are great online resources provided by college board that walk through the different labs and let you perform them virtually. Ultimately, if you can understand and comprehend from a book instead of a teacher, I think you’ll do fine on the test.</p>
<p>I think you can self-study it. The only thing is when the rigor of your classes, I would maybe start or do it all in the summer. I hear the subject tests for Bio isn’t bad t all–I’m considering self-studying over the summer and doing the subject tests in the Fall.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the feedback guys. I do plan on beginning my studying this summer. (And take the subject test this fall too!) I guess what I’ll do is see how the year starts off and come January or February see if I’m on the right track for taking the exam? What are some good suggestions for online resources for labs or reviews?</p>
<p>I will give another vote for self-studying being appropriate - the test has changed to test more the ability to work with data in a biological mindset and I think that self-studying (along with common sense) will give you the tools you need to succeed. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you want to do AP Bio just for the AP exam, I’d say self studying is sufficient - very little Bio knowledge required for the AP Bio exam. Just make sure you know the math, read over the labs, and know the general idea of the biological concepts. </p>
<p>If you want to do AP Bio to actually gain a deeper understanding of Biology, take the class. The class will teach you much more than you actually need to know for the exam.</p>
<p>Watching Mr. Andersen’s (Bozeman biology) on YouTube while taking notes would be a very easy way to study, if you space them out. He also has videos on all the labs required for the class that would be really helpful. Good luck!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that although people have been saying the new AP biology test is easier, the curve set for this year’s exam begs to differ. If you are content with passing, then the new format has made it easier to do so (~36% of kids getting a 3). However, getting a 5 now is nearly impossible (~5.4% of kids got a 5). Just be sure to pay extra attention to biology if you are indeed aiming for a 5.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I think I’ll study for the SAT II in the fall and the course through out the year just to see how it goes. I have a feeling I won’t take the exam because I think that, even if I do pass, I could be messing myself up by not actually taking the class and getting a really good understanding. Since, this is my intended major, I think I really need a pretty solid foundation as opposed to a shallow introduction to the material. Thanks again, guys :)</p>
<p>Oh, and can anyone tell me if using an AP Bio study book (like Barrons or Cliffnotes) will really prepare me for the SAT II? Thanks, everyone :)</p>
<p>Hey guys
This is my first post so I was wondering if you guys could help me out a bit. My schedule next year is chemistry AP French Ap Micro/Macro Apush English 4 and Pre Cal. I had no space for AP Bio. I could take it Senior year, but I want to get my SAT 2’s out of the way. I’m an average AB student and I only take AP and honors courses. Ill be a junior this year.Does it look better if I self study bio or wait until senior year. I hope to take Cal AB Ap Lit and AP chem senior year</p>
<p>It’s better to take AP classes whenever you can for college admissions purposes, but you can take the AP exam whenever you want. So, I’d recommend waiting until senior year to take the AP course, but you are more then welcome to start self-studing/teaching yourself biology if you so choose.</p>
<p>If biology is your major, there is no advantage to taking the AP Bio exam through self-study. You’ll want to take the first-year course at your college to prepare you for the advanced courses. Just self-studying for the test is not going to prepare you for the advanced courses, and you wouldn’t get major credit in most places for a good score on the exam.</p>
<p>Enjoy the rest of your busy senior year, do well in Biology II and save the rest of the bio for college.</p>