Welcome to the first edition of the Self Studying Guide.
Do you want to ACCELERATE your academics? Do you want to be intellectually STIMULATED? Are you interested in taking a course, but you can’t fit it in your schedule? Do you want to give your college application that extra boost in ACADEMIC RIGOR? Self studying is the SOLUTION!
I suggest you read through everything if you have never heard of self-studying before, although I would suggest it even if you’re a self studying veteran.
However, you may refer to each section as needed.
*Email me at [email protected] for any corrections, suggestions, or questions. Thanks
I’ve divided this article up into 10 sections:
I. The Self-Studying Method
II. What books to use?
a. Textbooks vs. Prep Books
III. How to approach your counselor.
IV. Which AP Course?
V. What if I don’t have time?
VI. Example Schedule
VII. The Final Stretch
VIII. Course Specific Tips/Plans
IX. Test Day Tips
X. FAQ (For questions not answered in previous sections)
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*Note: All steps are generally catered towards AP tests, but can also be applied towards test-outs.
I. The Self Studying Method: The 5 Steps
First, get a vague idea of which course you want to study, especially if you’re doing this with no prior knowledge of which are available. Once you have done this, it is crucial to establish connection with your school administrators/counselor and assure that you can either get credit for your self-study course, or take the AP test without a formal class. Make sure to do this for every course you intend to self-study. (Refer to appropriate section)
Second, order your test prep books/textbooks (see the books section of this article). Once you have the books, outline a plan for completing your self-study by a pre-determined date. It is suggested you leave one to three weeks before the AP test in order to “cram” and review, length of cramming period depends on quantity of self-studies. (See Course Specific Guides section)
Third, EXECUTE the plan with minimal procrastination. This is the hard part. Let me reiterate this point, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Procrastination is the bane of the self-studier. Before you know it, it is a week before the test, and you’ve covered only one chapter. (Refer to The Execution section)
Fourth, effectively cram and review during the final weeks. (Refer to The Final Stretch section).
Finally, take the test. =] (Test Tips)
II. Which books to use?
Test prep books are absolutely essential. Should you include a textbook though?
Generally, you shouldn’t use a textbook for more of the “average” self studies. However, if you decide you want to self-study AP Chemistry or Physics, you may wish to obtain a textbook to aid you in your studies. Basically, a textbook is a waste of time for most APs.
Here is a list of suggested books
In the format of Textbook-Prep book.
PR=Princeton Review
Textbooks are by Authors.
Please use latest editions for all books, unless there is a significant price difference.
Art History - Janson, The Annotated Mona Lisa
Biology - Campbell, Cliffs AP
Calculus AB/BC - Stewart, PR
Chemistry - Brown, PR
Computer Science - Litvin, Barron's
English Language – Cliffs AP, 5 Steps to a 5/PR
English Literature – Cliffs AP
Environmental Science - Botkin, Smartypants
European History - McKay, PR
Comparative Government - Ethel Woods
U.S. Government – Cliffs AP/5 Steps
Human Geography - Knox, REA
Economics – McConnell, PR
Physics B - Halliday, PR
Physics C - Halliday, Barron's/PR
Psychology - Myers, Barron's
Spanish Language - Barron's
Statistics – Yates, Barron's
U.S. History - AMSCO
World History - Hill, PR
Book usage is debatable. Email me if you disagree or have suggestions. (Email at end of article)
III. How to approach your counselor.
Will be added in future editions.
IV. Which AP Course?
The languages are not really self-studies unless you already have the appropriate level of the language. Going from Spanish 2 to AP Spanish is insane. Here are the “categories” of the most popular self studies.
Easiest:
AP Environmental Science (Read through PR a couple of times)
AP Psychology (Read through Barron’s a couple of times)
AP Statistics (Read textbook/Barron’s/PR)
AP Macroeconomics/Microeconomics (It is preferable to do both the same year. Read through PR, it covers both)
AP Human Geography (Read REA or PR)
The AP Governments
Medium:
AP Biology (No previous biology experience needed, use AP Cliffs Bio)
AP Physics B (With previous physics experience)
AP Calculus B/C (With previous calculus experience)
AP Calculus A/B (With Trig/Pre-calculus experience, usually in preparation for B/C)
AP English Language and Literature (Both are relatively easy as long as you adequately prepare with the prep books)
AP Computer Science
Hard:
The AP Histories are notable for the extensive scope of information, self-studying is not encouraged.
Very Hard:
AP Chemistry with no previous chemistry experience.
Insane:
AP Physics C (Both E&M and Mechanics without any previous physics experience, self studying is not suggested) HOWEVER, with AP Physics B mastery, AP Physics C is a manageable self-study.
Taking this into consideration, pick whichever subjects you find most interesting.
If you disagree with any of this, please email me, I would love to hear your suggestions.
V. What if I don’t have time?
This is not a problem at all.
However, this means a strict adherence to a schedule starting from the very beginning of the year.
Most AP self studies can be completed with as little as 30-50 minutes of studying a day, or less!
Contact me if you feel you need help.
VI. Example schedule.
Use effective studying techniques. This includes NO PROCRASTINATION.
Train yourself to assimilate information quickly.
Example schedule for AP Biology.
This is assuming a busy schedule full of ECs and etc.
This is a HIGHLY effective technique by applying increasingly rigorous review each month instead of dragging things on. It also helps deter against catastrophic failure due to procrastination towards the middle/end.
Please use Cliffs AP Biology
September 2nd to September 5th
Chemistry
September 6th to 12th
Cells
September 13th to 19th
Photosynthesis
September 20th to 26th
Respiration
September 27th to October 3rd
Cell Division
October 4th to 10th
Heredity
October 11th to 17th
Molecular Genetics
October 18th to 24th
Evolution
October 25th to 31st
A Five-Kingdom Survey
November 1st to 7th
Plants
November 8th to 21st
Animal Structure and Function
November 22nd to 28th
Animal Reproduction and Development
November 29th to December 5th
Animal Behavior and Ecology
December 6th to 12th
Laboratory Review
A KEY milestone is the end of December.
There is time left for you to make up for any procrastination, but make sure you have “vigorously” read through all these chapters by the end of December.
Now this is a schedule to follow for the rest of the year until May.
Do this the first week of every month.
Use whatever efficient study techniques available to you. Make sure you gain something from each section each week.
Monday
Chemistry and Cells
Tuesday
Photosynthesis and Respiration
Wednesday
Cell Division and Heredity
Thursday
Molecular Genetics and Evolution
Friday
Plants and Animal Reproduction
Saturday
Animal Structure/Function and Animal Behavior
Sunday
Ecology, Five-Kingdom Survey and Lab Review.
Repeat each month.
You may leave out Ecology/Chemistry and Cells after you are familiar enough with them.
Space out the schedule by moving Animal Reproduction and Five-Kingdom survey.
Take a practice test after each round.
Buy the 5 AP Biology Practice Tests from Cliffs.
Email me if you need any help developing a schedule or have questions.
VII. The Final Stretch
During the last 2 weeks before the test, it is all about targeting your weaknesses.
Get in a couple of speedreads through the prep book, and one on the day before the test, but it is absolutely crucial that you work on anything you do not know or understand, and make sure to use the CollegeBoard supplied syllabus for your AP course to gauge your priorities.
Other than that, put as much time as available. If you procrastinated, this is your make-or-break time.
VIII. Course Specific Tips
Not available in this edition.
Email me if you want to give some suggestions.
IX. Test Day Tips
Calm down. Browse through prep book for things you aren’t sure of. Calm down. That’s about it.
X. FAQ
Do you have to really smart to do this?
Not at all. It just takes interest, planning, and adherence to the conclusion.
How did you get to know all of this?
Personal experience and research.
I want to self study _________ course, do you have any tips/plans for me to use?
You can either email me at [email protected] or look for future editions of this guide.
What will future editions of this guide include?
You can look forward to more detailed example plans, links to specific test taking/studying strategies and book reviews.
Is there a question you have or a suggestion? Email me at [email protected]. I would love to hear your suggestions.
