<p>I've been debating on whether I should take AP Bio next year. I don't think it's hard, but it's the terrible teachers we have. Basically, there are three teachers who teach AP Bio. There is one teacher who doesn't teach, and the average grades for that class are Bs/Cs. There is only at most one or two As (and they're borderline As, like 89.7) due to the fact that his tests have stuff that are completely random and which is not in the AP Bio book. Another teacher actually teaches, but an A could be tough. Finally, there's a teacher who doesn't teach, but you can get an easy A. However, if you get that teacher, you probably won't past the AP test since you won't learn anything. My main fear is that I'll get the first teacher, which means I'll get two Bs on my transcript. However, my other option if I don't take AP Bio is I'll take AP Chem outside at some tutoring place and take the AP exam for credits. If I do that, would that count as taking an AP class? What would be your advice?</p>
<p>I’m in AP BIO right now, it is my favorite class…I’d say its hard at first because there is such an overload of info but after some time, you understand how to study for it and it becomes easier. I first started of with a D in the class and brought it up to a solid B by the end of first semester. I’m at a B+ right now. I spend a lot of time just reading on my own. I first relied on the teacher to explain everything but there is so much to cover with bio that its better to mostly learn it on your own, ahead of the class. (study during the summer!!)</p>
<p>Are you sure the test questions don’t cover what is in the book?</p>
<p>I really believe that with AP BIO, you don’t need a “good teacher” if you have the motivation to read it on your own. Plus if you are doing one of those tutoring things, just do it for bio?</p>
<p>AP Bio is hands down the best class I’ve taken in high school so far (I’m a junior). I had the third teacher you described (“Finally, there’s a teacher who doesn’t teach, but you can get an easy A. However, if you get that teacher, you probably won’t past the AP test since you won’t learn anything.”) and actually, you can indeed pass the AP exam if you dedicate some time to learning a lot of it on your own.</p>
<p>I love biology, so I was more inclined to take the initiative to prepare myself for the in-class tests and the exam 80% on my own. If you’re passionate about biology as well and have a will to learn it, you can easily succeed. I got through the school year using outlines and powerpoints I found online (which correlated to my Campbell textbook), and I prepared for the AP exam by reading through Cliff’s the weekend prior to the Monday exam. Got a 5 even though the FRQ’s each had portions that I couldn’t accurately answer. </p>
<p>If you don’t really like biology, then of course don’t set your self up for potential failure. If you like the subject, your passion should get you pretty far. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way…”</p>
<p>TAKE IT!</p>
<p>It’s a ton of memorizing but it’s very fun and easy. It requires almost no critical thinking unlike AP Physics or AP Chem. TAKE THE ADVANTAGE!</p>
<p>If you have crappy teachers then read the textbook and buy an AP review book at the beginning of the school year. I know some kids who can get A’s by just listening to the teacher lecture. However, I needed to study for 6 hours to get an A.</p>
<p>A good trick: Learn what kinds of questions your teacher asks. Some teachers use past/practice AP questions so you can literally study the questions. Some teachers use questions from a specific book/company so you can order the same book to study from. But, most teachers make up their own questions… so then you just have to study hard.</p>
<p>I got a 5 when I took it as a Junior.</p>
<p>i really regret it, but maybe thats just me. i really wish i took apush instead of this class haha</p>