Unlike the International Baccalaureate program, which requires class participation to sit for an end-of-year exam, the Advanced Placement program — excluding the AP Capstone — allows students to take the exams, and potentially receive college credit, without first completing the matching coursework.
If you plan to self-study for one or more AP tests, begin no later than mid-August, since this is a multimonth process. However, before you start, review these questions so you can develop a self-study plan.
[Find out how earning college credit in high school can slash undergrad costs.]
Which AP Tests Are Best Suited to Self-Study?
The key to successfully self-studying for an AP exam is an abundance of high-quality review material and the ability to learn that material with minimal guidance. Generally, classes like AP Spanish Language and Culture require collaboration — in the form of conversational practice — and outside support, unless you are a native speaker of a non-English language.
Beyond that, your background, the amount of time you can devote to studying and the resources you have will determine which tests you can self-study for. Tests in English, history, math and science are likely suitable options if you have a strong foundation in the subject and can devote the time to learn the material.
How Many Exams Should You Self-Study for?
If you are planning to take one AP course in school, you may be able to squeeze in one self-study test. If you are home-schooled and your curriculum plan allows for additional intensive projects, you may wish to devote most of your time to preparing for multiple AP exams. This can serve as another way to show your readiness for college outside the boundaries of a traditional high school.
If you are attending a school with few or no AP classes, you might decide to focus on acing the two AP tests that would best demonstrate excellence in the field you hope to study. AP Calculus and AP Physics would be most helpful for a future engineering student, for example.
Don’t forget that AP exams and curriculum are challenging. It is highly unlikely that you could self-study for five tests and do well in all.
[Learn how to juggle multiple AP exams.]
What Material Should You Review?
Most AP exams are divided between multiple-choice and free-response questions. The studio art courses are the primary exceptions, since they use a portfolio review of the student’s work rather than a formal test. As such, you may prefer to take them in school, where you can receive frequent feedback on your art.
For a self-study student, the hardest tasks will be the free-response questions, since these are the most difficult to assess without expert guidance. For the multiple-choice questions, you can use previous exams with the answer keys or outside prep material to score your responses.
If you are taking a general class in a particular AP subject, compare your syllabus with the official AP documentation. The College Board provides detailed descriptions for each course and test on its website. Be sure to review whatever material the two classes have in common — especially if the subject is a weakness for you — but particularly focus on the AP content that is missing from your school course.
What Is a Reasonable Prep Timeline?
As a rough guideline, spend the last two full weeks of August on planning and research tasks. Create a calendar with important dates, like the exam day; locate past free-response questions; and choose a guidebook or books.
To find past free-response questions, go to the AP Exam Information portal, select your subject and look for the link to free-response questions. Be sure to also find an outside resource to help you work on your free-response answers. A teacher, tutor or community of peers, such as at school or online, will be better than just rereading your answers and wondering how you did.
[Learn five steps to mastering AP free-response questions.]
Likewise, find a guidebook aimed at AP exams — not just a relevant school textbook. You can use Amazon’s AP Test Guides page as a starting place to read reviews. Then visit a bookstore or library with a list of options to see which one works best for you.
Divide the page count by 180 days and that’s your daily reading target for the next six months — September to February. If you are studying for multiple exams, that page count can quickly add up. Don’t slack, however — there isn’t much wiggle room in the schedule.
Use the six-month period for steady learning. As you learn topics covered in the free-response questions, write out your answers. Then spend the next two months — March and April — on more intense study as you begin taking practice tests.
During these two months, complete all the free-response questions without looking at your original answers. Repetition over time can help you build strength. In March, also complete two or more practice tests. Use your test results to focus your attention on particular topics, and expand your resources beyond your guidebook, such as YouTube videos. In April, do a final, thorough review.
Finally, in your self-study schedule, allow for approximately two weeks of slush time, whether for a family vacation or for when critical school assignments arise and you may be less focused than usual.
AP self-study is a long haul, but the payoff is that you can give your college application a boost and potentially earn course credits.
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Plan Ahead to Self-Study for AP Exams originally appeared on usnews.com
