<p>I've already gotten the resources I need. I'm just wondering whether or not its worth it (especially considering that I don't intend on taking labs but...I have a local community college that I could attend strictly for the purpose of lab usage).
ALSO! How does the test from this year differ from last year (I've heard that there have been changes)</p>
<p>I personally think it’s totally worth it. I self-studied biology last year and got an easy 5 after a weekend of cramming. </p>
<p>This year’s AP exam seems like it will be easier. For the 2012 AP bio exam, there was a LOOOOOT of memorization involved, and I spent a really long time trying to master human systems and plants. This year, they’re taking out plants entirely, and most of human systems… which were the only two dreary parts about the biology exam. Months after taking the bio exam and forgetting most of what I memorized, I did the practice questions released by collegeboard for the 2013 exam and still got most of the multiple choice right. If you have a little extra time, I’d definitely recommend taking the AP bio exam.</p>
<p>From what I’ve seen, tons of colleges offer AP credit for the bio exam so why not?</p>
<p>Wait they’re taking plants out? Goddammit. Why did I take it two years ago? I hate plants. Of course, my lab group bonded over hatred of plants. Still. </p>
<p>Your decision to self study relates to how much bio you already know. If the practice questions feel easy now, then go for it. The exam tests only on a tiny fraction of what is taught in a good AP bio class, so self study should be doable. </p>
<p>You do miss a lot by not taking the class, though. While I probably would have had a 3-4 without taking the class and a low 5 if I had self studied, I can now read most biology articles in scientific journals and actually understand what’s going on. I never could have done that without taking the class. So, if you want to go into biology, don’t self study, take the class if you possibly can, or go to community college if your school doesn’t offer it. Otherwise, you’ll screw yourself over in the long run.</p>
<p>lmao, although I hate plants, but I do so well in the plant section, I’m like the only person in my class that got 90+ on the plant test.</p>
<p>If you self study, make sure to give yourself plenty of time. The way my bio class was structured last year we had to pretty much learn everything by ourselves, and the AP test turned out to be an absolute breeze. I literally don’t think I missed more than 2 questions on the multiple choice, and predictably I also got a 5.</p>