Should I self study AP Biology next year?

<p>Hi everyone.</p>

<p>My school offers AP Biology except that there's only one class and everyone wants to get into it. Although I am a good student, my chances of getting in are slim. I currently am a Junior and next year I will be a Senior so I have to decide my courses. I have always wanted to take AP Biology but even the guidance counselors say that it is one of the most competitive courses to get into. Chances are, I won't get in. I heard that there is a way to self-study for AP exams, except I'm not really sure how it works. Do I have to do labs to get credit? And how do I register for the exam? Do I have to do it through my school, or can I do it somewhere else?</p>

<p>Also, do I have to take an online course- ex: Apex Learning? It's really expensive- $350 per semester and $200 for lab materials, and the books are expensive too. Is this required to take the exam?</p>

<p><a href="http://www.apexlearningvs.com/courses/catalog/product-detail/364/AP-Biology"&gt;http://www.apexlearningvs.com/courses/catalog/product-detail/364/AP-Biology&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Do you think it's worth it to take AP Biology exam my senior year, even though when I apply to college they won't see it because I won't be taking it as a course but as a self study? Do you think the course is worth it at this point?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for reading this!</p>