Self-study AP Bio, is it worth it?

pursuitof
Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:59:22 +0000

I know there are hundreds with this topic, but they have mostly been written by people who are actually interested in pursuing the science field. I, on the other hand, am interested in philosophy, economy, political science, etc – you get the picture – to follow by law school to study constitutional law. Ergo, I have little interest in science. However, I am intrigued by physics and chemistry, so I am definitely willing to take those two AP’s.

I’m a sophomore, took AP World last year (5), taking AP US this year and self-studying AP Psych (after taking regular Psych), and took my first high school SAT this year (took one in 7th grade for Duke TIP). I’m planning to take AP Chem and Physics next two years in high school, along with AP Eng, AP Econ, AP Gov, (maybe AP Spanish) and participate in dual enrollment at the state flagship college, and not to mention three more attempts at the SAT.

I am considering to self-study AP Bio with the help of students who are actually in AP Bio and the teacher. People tell me it is a bad idea, but they do admit that it’s just mainly memorization. I would do it because I have no other time to do it if I don’t do it this year, but I really have absolutely no interest in this subject.

My goals are somewhere along the Ivy League. Is AP Bio really worth it if I’m going to take AP Chem and AP Physics as well to show my interest in other fields?