<p>Hello, I know this topic has been discussed time and time again, but I am going to be taking Honors Chemistry this year and is wondering if taking the AP Chemistry exam would be a good idea (AP Chemistry is not offered at our school). I'm also wondering whether the change in grading (and possibly difficulty) will affect how I study, as I have read that the 2011 exam was a lot harder than previous years'. Also, for those who have also self studied for AP Chemistry, what textbooks and prep books besides Zumdahl's do you recommend? I heard 5 Steps to 5 was good. Thanks!</p>
<p>Also, what would be a good approach to studying AP Chem?</p>
<p>[AP:</a> Chemistry](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools)
Well, on this page, there’s all the topics that will be on the test.
I recommend, firstly, that you google each topic and research.</p>
<p>Do NOT take the AP Chemistry exam without an AP class if you want to get a 5, or even a 4 in some cases. Out of the 20 people who took the exam in my class, only 8 passed, and only three got a 4 or 5. I received a 5 on this exam myself, but not without a painstaking amount of studying. You NEED a teacher to explain all of the concepts. Princeton Review book will help you, definitely, but unless your teacher is formally taught in higher aspects of chemistry, I highly suggest not taking the AP exam, unless you want to pass with a bare 3.</p>
<p>I’m taking the class and bought the 5 Steps to a 5 AP Chem edition book as a back up 
The textbook for AP Chem at my school is “Chemistry: The Central Science, AP Edition” by Brown, LeMay, and Bursten.</p>
<p>@mindofadrone, [sarcasm] yes because 1 AP Chemistry class is representative of the performance and practice needed to do well on the exam. [/sarcasm]</p>
<p>@drybones, AP Chemistry is one of the most difficult AP exams. You would need a lot of outside practice and resources to achieve a high score. My Honors chemistry class in 10th grade didnt go nearly in depth in chemistry as is needed for the AP exam.</p>
<p>If it is not an option to take the AP Chemistry class, where is the harm in him taking a shot at it? Enlighten me please?</p>
<p>I’m taking AP chem and took honors chem as a sophomore (senior now in case it needs clarification)</p>
<p>Based on my teachers view, you CAN self study AP chem but here’s the deal :</p>
<p>For a 5, get all the practice tests you can get your hands on and MAKE SURE you understand the difficulty level of the questions or you will be unpleasently suprised the day of the AP !!! Study review books thoroughly and if you are not procrastinating (which I assume not since its September :)) get a text tailored for AP or.college intro chem and study it through the year!!!</p>
<p>Good luck! Oh and since you are a CCer I’m assuming you are self studying for a perfect 5 :D</p>
<p>Sent from my Desire HD using CC App</p>
<p>Did you take the chem subject test btw??? It could help with some sections of the exam :)</p>
<p>Sent from my Desire HD using CC App</p>
<p>@AWeeBitDumb, I know this is an old post, but what did you recieve on your AP Chem exam? I’m using the same books as you did :D</p>
<p>Hmm…I self-studied for AP CHemistry, years ago. Impulsively registered for it a few months before the exam, bought a princeton review book, browsed through it, and got a 4 on it. I don’t seem to recall it being too hard…haha!</p>
<p>Took 4 other exams that year: 5 on the Biology, 5 on the Calc BC, 4 on the English Literature, 4 on the European History…</p>
<p>I was actually somewhat disappointed about my 4’s.</p>