Should I aim for the National AP Scholar Award by self studying? Is it worth it?

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
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<p>I really want to go to a good college but I only take 4 AP classes as a Junior (Chem, Calc AB, Stat, USH) because my school doesn't offer AP courses to freshman and sophomores. Would it be worth my time to start working really hard and START self studying for four extra AP exams to get this award? </p>

<p>I was thinking about taking AP Chinese, Macro Econ, Micro Econ, and Psych but I don't know if it's worth it. I want to get ahead of my peers of which 5 in my school are Nat Merit semifinalists and sadly I'm not. Also I heard that only around 800 students in the US get the National AP Scholar Award before their Senior year and hardly any where I live (South Carolina!)</p>

<p>I'm also at the same time prepping for second time taking SAT in June and my ECs won't be as busy as first semester. Is it possible for me to study really hard and get an average of a score of 4 on these exams come May? Is it worth all the extra money for four AP exams?
---I want to self study Chinese and Econ because I'm majoring in business. Plus, I'm American-Chinese!</p>

<p>Any response is greatly appreciated!</p>

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<p>AP Psych and the Econs are generally regarded as slightly easier to self-study, so yes, you could probably self-study those and get ALL 5’s if you put enough effort in :slight_smile:
Plus doing macro and micro at the same time might help you grasp the concepts better!</p>

<p>As for AP Chinese, how would you rate your performance in each of the four key areas (listening, reading, writing, and speaking-on the exam in that order)? I’m also self-studying that one and I’m also Chinese-American!
Unless you’re fluent in speaking and have quite a bit of Chinese culture down I would get Barron’s book. It’s what I’m using right now. Apparently the book is overkill compared to the actual exam, but hey, better over-prepared than under.
Also get used to typing in either pinyin or bopomofo (I suggest pinyin-it’s wayyy easier!) because the entire exam is on a computer! So no writing characters booyah! XD</p>

<p>PM me if you want more info on the exam! I’m not native but I’m a heritage speaker and I did take the SAT II Chinese last month as well. </p>

<p>Good luck!! :)</p>