<p>I posted this thread in the test prep. forum, but thought I’d put it here, too. </p>
<p>My school doesn’t offer any AP’s or Honors classes. I’m interested in doing some self-study AP’s, but I have no idea how to get started, or what do do. Coud any of you offer any advice? Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Another option for your consideration…just as valid as AP.</p>
<p>Katie:</p>
<p>If you go to the College Board website, the course description for each AP course is listed there. It’s very helpful. You should check out AP preparation books. The SAT/ACT board has students’ suggestions for the best review books.</p>
<p>I’m in the same situation with SAT II’s, what is the best way to prepare for those, if my classes haven’t provided enough information?</p>
<p>Same recommendation: Look up the description of each SAT-II. It is not uncommon for teachers to fail to cover everything that will be on the test. For example, my S’ Honors Physics class did not cover optics, an important section of the test. Again, look up the SAT/ACT board for recommendations for the best SAT-II review books. If you plan on taking the AP and SAT-II in the same subject, you may need to review only for the AP. The exception would be for the AP-Physics C exam which covers different topics from the Physics SAT-II.</p>
<p>check this forum and on Amazon for ideas on the best review books for your subject, and buy at least two. Then google “ap chemistry”, or whatever subject you are interested in. You will get a bunch of hits for the websites of teachers who offer that course. Look at a bunch of those and see which textbook is the most common and buy it (a slightly older edition is fine for most subjects, but don’t go more than 5 years old for science texts). Then, go through whichever review book you prefer chapter by chapter, reading every word, plus looking at the corresponding sections in the textbook, and answering every question at the end of the review book chapter. You do not necessarily have to read every word of the textbook chapter. Read sections that correspond to issues you don’t understand in the review book. Look at all the charts and diagrams, read any chapter summaries. Textbook chapters that do not correspond to anything in the review book are not going to be on the test and should be viewed as optional. If the material is difficult for you, do this twice over the course of the year (the second time will go much faster than the first). There may also be useful course notes or exams on those teacher websites you found.</p>
<p>A month before the exam, make a third pass through the review book you primarily used, but not the textbook. Then do every practice exam in both review books, making sure you understand every one you missed. Also look for alternate questions they could have asked. For instance:</p>
<p>Which of the following is a mammal?:
A. cow
B. bird
C. jellyfish
D. flower</p>
<p>It is not enough to just know that the answer is A. They could just as easily ask which group B and C belong to, so make sure you know. Only a few answers, like “flower” won’t lend themselves to a similar question.</p>