Which AP Tests are Best for Self Study?

High School Tests

Monday, 29 October 2018

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Did you know? Any student can take an AP test, even if they don't take an AP course.

AP courses are really hard, and often take 2-3 hours of study per day per class. Taking more than one or two per year makes it difficult for the student to cover all the core classes needed for college admission. To solve that problem, some parents will help their child self-study, using homeschool curriculum, and then take the test when they are sure the child can pass.

Deciding which test is the right one for your child is more challenging that it sounds. To be honest, I looked over some of those tests and became very overwhelmed - even in my student's most-loved areas. That's why we chose CLEP for our family - but I do think that AP is more widely esteemed and valued.

These tests are often considered the easiest to do on your own because they require a lot of memorization, but don't require specialized math or science. They aren't build on a lot of previous knowledge.

AP Environmental Science

AP Human Geography

AP Psychology

There tests are OK if you student really LOVES the subject, you use a very rigorous, honors, homeschool curriculum, study for 2-3 hours per day, and are willing to do a lot of test prep.

AP Biology

AP Comparative Government and Politics

AP English Language and Composition

AP English Literature and Composition

AP Macroeconomics

AP Microeconomics

AP US Government and Politics

AP US History

AP World History

These are just really, really hard to do without taking an AP Course. Be certain your child will score well on the test. Consider studying the material as a normal homeschool class, and when done taking a sample test. If they score well on the sample test, then begin AP preparation in earnest.

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Chemistry

AP Physics

The test prep Study Guides that I prefer for AP Subject Tests are Princeton Review Books .

Learn more about High School Subject Tests with this free White Paper. " High School Subject Tests Simply Explained " will give you critical insights into AP, SAT and CLEP subject tests to maximize your college admission and scholarship chances. It's filled with tips for busy homeschool parents trying to choose the right test and prepare their students for test success.

I hope this gives you an overview about which AP classes your child can take and not have to take a test with. I'd love to know what your experience with AP classes and tests has been!

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