I go to a small school that doesn’t offer any AP classes, but I’m really interested in science and was thinking of self-studying for AP Chemistry to take the exam. I know a lot of people say it’s too hard or that I need to take the class, but since I’m taking my school’s version of accelerated Chemistry, I thought it could be possible. Any advice? I was thinking of getting a textbook and taking it to class so I could ask for advice from my teacher. Do you think it’s possible if I start early? I can start right now during the summer if that’s what it takes.
OK, here’s a rather watered-down study plan for you that you should extend on to fit your own needs:
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As a student who took AP Chemistry in class, I used Chemistry Principles and Reactions, 7th edition. It’s a very handy textbook with decent examples, chapters, and extensive and comprehensive reading. If you are willing to throw down $30 to $90 for this textbook on Amazon, it’s well worth your time and money. Highlight important concepts, outline the chapters - whatever works best for you.
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Accelerated or honors chemistry is only dipping your feet into the water. AP Chemistry is far more complex. Some of the basic concepts you need to memorize prior to AP are: common ions, strong acids/bases, naming & nomenclature, basic rules of solubility, etc.
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Use the summer to study lab safety procedures, as these DO APPEAR IN THE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS. 2015 MC had one one handling an acid in a lab environment (the answer was that you pour the water in before acid to disperse any heat from the reaction and avoid burning yourself). Also study the recommended labs (absorption, emission, basic titration, etc.)
For study books, avoid 5 to a 5 for chemistry at all costs. It has practice examinations that are unlike what CB normally doles out. USE: Barron’s or Princeton Review (PR had the most accurate practice exams that conformed with the new types of questions that appear in the MC section). Read those carefully and divide them based on your time constraints. It is DEFINITELY possible to start early, but I would recommend getting these books as soon as possible so you can get a head start. AP Chemistry is not for the faint of heart.
@polarknut Thanks for all the tips! I will definitely be using these 
there may be some resources at iTunes U
My AP Chemistry was essentially a self study class. The teacher lectured for 10 minutes and then we were on our own. Basically he had us read a chapter from the textbook he gave us every week, do the homework at the end of the chapter, and we had a test every Friday. The textbook we used was Chemistry: The Central Science AP Edition (7th Edition). He would sometimes combine 2 or 3 chapters in a week and we finished the curriculum in January. Considering that we were basically on our own except for the labs, I think it’s possible to self study. I ended up using the Princeton Review and Barron’s as my study guides for the exam and I have to say that the practice tests in PR were much harder than the actual exam, and better than Barron’s, so it’s up to you. Never wait too long to start studying, in fact, if you can breeze through dimensional analysis, atomic theory and stiochiometry this summer, you can follow an easy schedule that lets you finish the material around January or February and from there it’s just review guides. Good luck!
If you are taking the chemistry class at the same time as you are self-studying, it is important to supplement stuff on your own. Focus on the stuff that is not taught or covered as well in the class
@HS5331 Ok, I’ll check it out! Thanks!
@xxpjcorrra Thanks for the tips! You’ve reassured me that it’s not impossible to study for AP Chemistry