<p>Before checking out CC, I never heard of anyone self-studying an AP subject, but now I'm considering doing it myself since my school has only 3 APs offered. The only issue is that I'm not sure which one to go for. I think I should study something that interests me, such as psychology, but I also want one that is a little challenging like Biology. (I heard that psychology was somewhat easy while bio was really hard). I love biology, and I breezed through the regular class last year with a near perfect grade and a perfect score on the SOL (Standards of Learning. standardized test administered by the state). I'm a junior now and plan to start studying as soon as possible (i.e once i pick the subject(s) I'll be studying for) and take the test next year. Any suggestions on which one(s) seem reasonable? I'll also be taking AP Government and AP calculus BC next year. </p>
<p>I’m taking both Psych and Bio next year, so I can’t speak from experience, but everyone says Psych is quite simple and that it’s basically a big vocabulary test. Bio is a lot of material, so if you’re up for the challenge, go for it! However, keep in mind that there are plenty of AP options for you to choose from and if you’re not up for it, perhaps try to find something in between Bio and Pysch, such as Environmental Science, Micro/Macroeconomics, etc. Good luck!</p>
<p>How would one go about self-studying for an AP? Like, buying textbooks? Then taking the test in may?</p>
<p>i might consider doing it myself… But can you put that on your transcript, or would that just go in a subsection somewhere around personal achievements? I’m assuming you won’t get a grade for it.</p>
<p>^I’m self studying stat and did not buy textbooks. If you can, try to procure some past tests. I am in a lot of contact with the person who taught AP Stat at my school last year due to ECs. I just asked him to send me his old chapter tests and he oblidged. Once I fill all those out I’m going to just look at old AP tests. Some people will suggest buying review books (not textbooks; centered around the exam) but you don’t need them.</p>
<p>You can put it on your transcipt. If they ask you to list AP scores just add it there and maybe try to mention it elsewhere on your script i.e. if you self-study AP Bio bring it up in an essay discussing your passion for science.</p>
<p>Also you may need to jump through hoops to order the test itself. It might be too late at this time of year.</p>
<p>sfxchris- Yes, you buy textbooks/reviewbooks (Amazon!!) and study the material on your own. Unless you’re extremely smart/gifted in that specific area, I wouldn’t recommend self-studying a math or science AP-instead stick with something more factual. My school registered me for the AP’s I’m self studying this year and I’m paying extra for a proctor through the school, but it really depends on your school. You’d have to talk to your specific school about registering because I don’t think a student can register on their own. As far as your transcripts, you just put it in the AP section. You get a score on the AP, but not a grade as if you took a class, because you didn’t. I’ve never applied for college, but I highly doubt it would be something you’d put under personal achievements as many students self-study AP’s.</p>
<p>To self study you can basically use any comprehensive college textbook. I personally am using the same book that the AP class at my school uses (I am not taking the class because of scheduling). Shmoop is also a really good resource, but should be used as a companion to another source. Also go on CollegeBoard and download the tests from the last couple of years and test yourself using those questions.</p>
<p>I might actually consider doing it, but next year when I’m a senior.</p>
<p>@deepwater I’m actually pretty strong in Physics this year, and Bio clicks with me insanely easily… so those are two sciences I would definitely consider doing on my own.
Chemistry I won’t even think of doing.</p>
<p>Im not taking any AP classes next year, I’m going to have a full St. John’s University schedule (St John’s Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, American Govt, etc), so in order to get the credit I dont have to take the AP test, just pass the class… so I might be able to prep for a couple AP tests in subjects I’m strong in.</p>
<p>I just need to find the right books since I’m not sure my school would lend me textbooks for the school year if I’m not taking the course…</p>
<p>Generally, but it depends on the subject. Search the old threads here for recommendations because generally different review books are better for different AP’s.</p>
<p>Barrons is good for Psych, because psych is basically just one big Vocab test with a few theories and concepts thrown in. So if you want to self-study psych, get barrons and make flash cards to review the vocab words and look online for ap psych powerpoints. (Which is what i’m doing)</p>