In our area, homeschooled kids either take the test at their zoned public school, at their umbrella school (a private school that, for a fee, manages their records), or at the fancy prep school that, for reasons unknown to us, is incredibly homeschool-testing friendly and allows homeschoolers to take any AP tests and the NMSQT PSAT in 11th grade with them, only charging the regular cost of the exam.
If you have a student who loves taking academic tests, I’d look for a Science Olympiad team or other competition test teams. The AP exam is a challenge, and if your kid wants to take it that’s fine, but preparing for science competition exposes students to concepts that will not be on an AP exam. You might also look to see if there are Science Bowl or Quiz Bowl teams and competitions (quiz bowl won’t be science-focused, but the science questions can be challenging). There appear to be several different chemistry-specific competitions, but this was the first that popped up: U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad - American Chemical Society
Are you are willing to travel anywhere in the country for her to use her weekend hours taking a test that is of no benefit? If you have the money, and she has the time and willingness, I’d invest in a summer chemistry camp, or go to any of these places for the weekend, actually DOING chemistry and science-y stuff.: 10 best science museums in the US for curious minds
I’m curious how a new 8th grader is aware of the AP chemistry exam.
My D22 took AP Chem, got an A, but skipped the exam since she was a senior entering a humanities program in college. It’s a tough class. I proctored the AP Chem exam this past spring, and it’s a tough test, too. Those kids were sweating it out for 4 hours. It is not a “fun” experience, even for the ones who love chemistry. It’s also worth noting that the exam tests on material specific to the course. The kids who have taken the course with a teacher who knows the exam, teaches to it, and preps the kids for the test will have a huge advantage over someone who learns on their own.
If your 8th grader wants to take AP Chem, she should at least take the class online through UC Scout or Apex. UC Scout gives exams down in Santa Clara (I think you said you were from SF?). My D22 took AP government online through UC Scout and went down to Santa Clara for the exam (we are also in the Bay Area).
You didn’t ask, but if this is your first/only kid, I would take some of the other advice to heart. There are so many other ways to nurture curiosity and passion in a 14 year old that are more engaging, useful and fun.
Thanks Wjs11007 - Good advice about length and stamina it takes. Thanks for sharing about UC Scout, which seems to be a great service. If I cannot find a school, UC Scout is definately an option. Thanks again!
