<p>Okay, so I'm a high schol junior, my GPA is about 3.9 UW, 4.5 W. I got a 2200 on my SAT and a 35 on my ACT, but I think I got kind of lucky on the ACT. Anyway, I'm a pretty good student, but I don't think I have the best study habits. I excel in math and science much more so than social studies and english.</p>
<p>This year, I'm taking classes (and tests) in:
AP English Language
AP US History
AP US Government</p>
<p>Since I'm only taking 3 tests right now, I decided that I want to self-study a course or two. So far, from reading this board, I've found that the easiset tests are (in no particular order):
AP Psychology
AP Human Geography
AP Environmental Science
AP Comparative Government
AP World History</p>
<p>From this list which course do you think I should self-study? Remember that the tests are only 2 months away. </p>
<p>Personally, I've been leaning toward Comparative government because 1) I'm already in US Government, so the two subjects will interlap a bit, making it easier to study, and 2) U of Michigan (my probable college) only requires a 3 on the Gov exams to get credit, as compared with a 4 for all the others.</p>
<p>Do think that I could pull off self-studying a second course? How much time would that entail (studying for 1 course or 2)? My second choice would probably be Human Geography or Psychology.</p>
<p>Please, give your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions. It would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I would suggest studying for AP Psychology. From what I've heard, it's the easiest AP exam by far, and people have been able to get 5s on it just by studying a few days before the exam.</p>
<p>Do whatever you're interested in, otherwise you're not going to be motivated and you won't do as well.</p>
<p>This year I'm studying Psych & Euro on my own, and Stats, which sort of overlaps with my calc-based statistics class. I find Psych the most interesting, so I find myself studying that one more often, whereas with Euro, I get bored easily. (If it wasn't part of my independent study through school, I'd drop it. XD) Guess which one I'll probably do better on?</p>
<p>Previous poster is incorrect. Self studying for AP tests is doable even if you despise the course. Trust me. I self studied 6 tests in high school.</p>
<p>You MUST take Human Geo. and if possible, you should take Psychology. The former is a joke. The latter is entirely doable.</p>
<p>If you're a relatively average student (in terms of comprehension and standardized test ability) prepare to study about 6 hrs/week for each test until the test day. </p>
<p>By the way, US Govt is a test you probably don't have to study for almost at all having taking the class this year.</p>
<p>So you're saying that I'd be better off taking Human Geography (and Psych) rather than comparative government?</p>
<p>Also, you say that I need to study 6 hrs/week for each test until the test day. Is that starting from now? That's like 2 hours a day! It also seems to directly contradict what you've said in another thread.</p>
<p>Quote (dearsiryes):</p>
<p>"But a general person studying 1/2 hours each day with the BARRON'S book should go for about a 4 week period (if not crazy cramming for anything else) and feel solidly comfortable for psych."</p>
<p>So which is it, 6/week for the next two months, or 3.5 hours/week for one month?</p>
<p>Edit: I just realized that your probably meant 1-2 hours per day, rather than a 1/2 hour per day.</p>
<p>I do that quite often instead of saying 'or'. To answer your questions,</p>
<p>6 hrs/week is NOT 2 hours/day, rather 1 hr per day with an option for a two hour day and two days off. This is just a security blanket and may prove to be entirely unnecessary as you progress through your studies.</p>
<p>Your scores indicate you're pretty (very) smart, so I would not stress about this test. I just reread your post and saw that you are good in science. In that case, Env. Sci. should be a possibility. It's just Ecological Biology (basically...). </p>
<p>And US Govt. has little to do with Comp. Govt. Comp. Govt. DEFINITELY requires you to be bringing in some outside information while you study and you will need to do a bunch of supplementary reading in addition to your prep book. Considering that you claim not to have the strongest work habits, I wouldn't recommend this more reading intensive test.</p>
<p>I know that 6/week is only a little bit less than an hour a day, but you said that it was 6/week for EACH test, which means that if I wanted to take two, then it would be 12 hours/ week, which is 1.7 hours per day. If this really is the commitment required to receive a 4 or 5, then I will probably only study for one test, simply because I don't know whether I would have enough time/willpower to study for that much time each day. Then again, pulling off a 4 doesn't seem extremely hard, so I could probably skimp a tiny bit on the studying and still manage. The only question I really have now is what test(s) to study for. I have to choose between Env. Science, Human Geography and Psychology. My first choice right now is probably Psych, simply because my local library has the Barron's book, so I can check the book out (already have actually) and not have to pay for a book. My second choice would probably be Human Geography simply because it seems mildly interesting and because of how easy you claim it is. Besides, I don't really like Biology (so no on the Environmental Science). </p>
<p>Do think that I could pull off getting 4/5s with only 4.5/week for each?</p>
<p>At this point, I'll probably just sign up for Psych and Human Geography (I have until friday to sign up). I can always just drop one test down the road if I feel it's too much work, I'd only be wasting $83.00, which isn't too bad.</p>
<p>Please note that the 6 hours/week is just a recommendation. After you go through a few questions and realize where your strengths and weaknesses lie, you will be able to focus on your weaknesses. For geography (especially with your being a smart dude) your studying will not take 6 hours/week every week. You SHOULD sign up for both Human Geog. and Psych. Your studying skew will probably be probably 40 to 60, respectively.</p>