The title is pretty self-explanatory. I’m “only” taking 4 APs during my junior year, and they are generally considered less rigorous ones (APUSH, Lang, Enviro, Stats). I thought it would be a nice resume booster to add on a couple exams. Some have said that AP scores don’t affect admissions, but they must elicit a subconscious response in the admissions committee, right? Anyways, I decided on Psych for a couple reasons: 1. I love the subject matter; 2. It is known as an easier test to self-study for; 3. My experience in Stats already has me prepared for 8-10% of the Psych exam. I found out my school cancelled the class for next year so self-study is my only option.
In addition, I decided on Lit because I am a self-professed (and proud) English nerd (800 on SAT CR/Writing). I tried Collegeboard’s set of sample questions and scored 19 out of the 23 I attempted. I think with a little prep, some essay practice, and a little luck, I could hopefully reach a 5. Would it be possible to score high without reading all the famous works of literature featured in the class? Could I BS my way using Sparknotes to run through as many famous short stories/poems/novels as possible in a few months?
Anyways, please tell me if I’m embarking on a worthy endeavor or wasting my time. Also, please tell me if my competence on the SAT CR section will have any carryover effect on Lit or if it’s an entirely different beast. Lastly, does anybody have any recommendations for Lit or Psych prep books? I already have Barrons/Crash Course for Psych.
P.S.: I’m taking AP Lit senior year, so I could just wait another 17 months. I just think it would be better to get the AP score for applications next fall, and it doesn’t seem like I have anything to lose since I’m fairly certain I’ll pass at the bare minimum.
Thanks for any advice or guidance you’d like to offer on the matter.
Cheers
I don’t see the value really. Naturally it is always better to learn than not. But time spent on one thing is unavailable for another. You are essentially proposing to spend your time studying for some exams to impress colleges. But they know what that is all about too. As I recall you can get a 5 on the AP test even if you only get around 70% of the multiple choice questions correct (if you get a top score on the essay part). So, what have you accomplished? Maybe you will be well prepared to take the intro psychology and Lit class but that is about it. You will not have covered what is covered in a college course. You would not even have covered what is covered in a high school class. So, instead of trying to give a certain appearance to colleges, seems like you would be better off investing your time in meaningful activities. If you are a great writer, write something and submit it someplace. There are journals specifically for student work. Or, if you are already involved in some EC’s, elevate your involvement to a more meaningful level. The APs are really not meaningful. The classes may be but the tests are not. They are intended to assess what you know about a topic -not capture all you know about the topic.
@lostaccount Thanks for responding. I have no doubt colleges will know I’m taking the exam to impress them, but I don’t see how that’s different from doing well on the sat or getting a high gpa to impress colleges. I would really enjoy participating in some kind of writing related activity, but I can’t seem to find anything. If you have a specific opportunity in mind, I’d greatly appreciate you naming it or linking it.
I say go for Psychology!! I’m a HS senior who’s self studying it this year, too!! Barron’s is the best book for AP Psych
As for Lit, I wouldn’t. However, I may be biased because Lit is the only AP I’m taking at school (I’m self studying Psych and US Gov, both not offered at my school, but I’m currently taking a half year Gov Honors course which has given me a good portion of prep already). I feel like AP Lit is really more of a learning experience, and you not only need a teacher, but you need a really good one to get everything out of it there is to offer. Plus, the typical course order is Lang junior year and Lit senior year, so I’d save Lit for senior year 
If you want another self study AP, I’ve heard that Psych, Human Geo, and Envi Sci are all great choices!!
Save Lit for senior year.
If you really want to challenge yourself, you’d be better off taking AP Calc or a different AP science. If math and science aren’t your forte, you could take DE course (if available).
Adcomms typically don’t find self studying APs impressive and it would probably be better for you to do as @lostaccount said and participate more in your ECs. If you’re interested in writing, maybe submit pieces to things like TeenInk.
@vxronicaexe Good luck in psych! Regarding your 3 self studying suggestions, I’m already doing one (psych), I’ve got another at school (enviro) and I’ve got human geo next year. I’ll take your advice about lit.
@IAmNotCreativ Unfortunately, I can’t change my curriculum for second semester but I’ve got ap calc next year. I’ll check out teenink, thanks for the suggestion!
Self study for Psych but pass on Lit. TRUST ME, you don’t want to self-study lit. Reading a bunch of poems and short-stories on Sparknotes will not prepare you for the exam. Me ap lit teacher is a former AP grader and she will take points off on an essay for every little thing. Didn’t quote enough from your novel of choice? 10 points off. Don’t see a stanza of a poem the same way the graders do? 15 points off. Essay not long enough? 15 points off. Ideas unoriginal? 5 points off.
As you can see, it is very easy to screw up that exam. The materials you learn in class are vital to passing, especially the free response portion.
I agree with @Madfacedemoji… I took AP Psych last year as a class, but it’s definitely self-study-able. AP Lit, on the other hand… not so much.
Try AP Envi Sci or the Econ APs… I’ve heard they’re easier/more self-study friendly. Good luck!