<p>Hi College Confidential! I just advice on whether I should self-study an AP this year. I'm a sophomore and my only AP this year is AP World History. Other Sophomores usually take AP Chemistry as well, but I couldn't take it as I didn't meet the prerequisites, as you had to take this class that wasn't offered at my middle school.</p>
<p>Last year, I took AP Human Geography and got a 4, but I didn't study a lot the week before the test. Next year I plan on taking three AP classes, so I'm jumping from having one AP class to three next year. I want to self-study an AP class so I can get used to having a larger AP workload next year, and I think self-studying a class will help me out a lot since it's uncommon at my school.</p>
<p>But is it too late to self-study? It's already halfway trough the year! If I do self-study I plan ok studying the whole material the next two terms, and since I have a block schedule I have a whole term to focus on my self-studied class rather than AP World History.</p>
<p>Also, what are your recommendations on AP classes to self-study? I'm interested in AP European History and Environmental Science, but the former sounds challenging and the latter seems to be better to take after I take AP Chemistry.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>AP Environmental Science may be doable to self-study for, but I wouldn’t do it unless if it’s related to your future or projected major (and you got two more years to self-study a course, also). AP European History you need the textbook because you need to read it daily and apply it on FRQs + better performance on MCs; again though this isn’t necessary because AP World History usually goes for the same credit as AP European History. </p>
<p>You’ll be fine from 1 to 3, I had several friends do this and they’re doing just fine - you just have to put commitment into it obviously and be studious. I’m a Junior and I jumped from 2 to 4 (well, technically 3 since I’m self studying one) and I’m doing better than last year, hah! </p>
<p>But relating to the topic, self-studying depends on the AP Exam in all honesty. If they’re simple-skilled based APs such as Psychology, Environmental Science, a foreign language if you speak it - I would say at least a month of self studying is good. But if it’s something like World History or Chemistry, you need to take the class or hit the prep books hard right when school starts.</p>
<p>Go here if you want to learn more about the pros and cons of self-studying: <a href=“Self-Studying APs: Improving Your App - AP Test Preparation - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ap-tests-preparation/369861-self-studying-aps-improving-your-app-p1.html</a></p>
<p>@elefish92 Okay thanks! I was considering AP Psychology, but I wasn’t sure of taking it because it’s already offered at my school which means I can take it whenever I want when I’m a junior or senior, but it seems like a nice AP class to take.</p>