Self-study for 7th and 8th graders

stupiddorkyidiot
Sat, 15 Sep 2012 15:34:31 +0000

I really, really wouldn’t recommend encouraging middle schoolers take AP tests, period. No matter how easy the material, AP testing is a pretty stressful experience. I’m not saying your kids aren’t mature enough to handle it, and I’m sure they’re capable (your description of them reminds me of myself at that age!), but you - and they - should understand that it’s just.not.worth.it at that age. I had tons of fun in middle school even though I wasn’t particularly challenged (my only difficult class was 8th grade geometry, and that was pretty damn easy). Furthermore, it’s much easier to self-study an AP once you’ve taken a “real” AP class and understand the general format of the classes and tests.

Don’t get me wrong, I think self-study in general is a really wonderful thing. I spent hours on the Internet at that age just reading about things that interested me. Please do encourage your kids to explore to their hearts’ content! But as surfcity said, you don’t want them to be limited by the AP curricula. They have all four years of high school to worry about that.

My last two cents - I waited until junior year (not by choice, just because of district rules) to take my first AP classes. I really wish I’d gotten a head start in sophomore year, just because there are so many classes I want to take - plus, as you say, the college credit aspect is quite enticing. I’m self-studying for the first time this year and wish I’d thought of it a wee bit earlier. (Just not 7th-grade early.)

Bottom line: unless THEY really want to do it and think they can handle it, I really encourage them to wait a while. I think middle school is the best time for kids to try a ton of stuff and see what they like best. Then, in high school, they can pursue their real interests.

Good luck to you guys, whichever route you take!