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
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!
