For those of you who have taken AP classes

[Toastedlightly]

Would it make sense to do a self study for them (notably AP Calculus, AP Chemistry and AP Physics)? My school doesnt' offer many of thes, and my seinor year is going to be filled up with extra study halls and I am thinking of doing this. Is it possible without the help of a teacher (aka using hte knowlege of OT to help )? Any responses are appreciated!

 

[IAteYourMother]

No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

 

[PowerMacG5]

If you are going to rely on ATOT, then no. If you want to read a text book and learn the material yourself, then it can make a huge difference in college. If the college you are going to will accept your grades, then it could put you semesters ahead in areas. For instance, I went in with 24 AP credits, 20 directly applied to my major, so I was a year ahead in calculus, a year ahead in physics, and a semester ahead in CS.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5
If you are going to rely on ATOT, then no. If you want to read a text book and learn the material yourself, then it can make a huge difference in college. If the college you are going to will accept your grades, then it could put you semesters ahead in areas. For instance, I went in with 24 AP credits, 20 directly applied to my major, so I was a year ahead in calculus, a year ahead in physics, and a semester ahead in CS.

Yea, my teachers are supplying me with the textbooks they use, and some rough 'lesson plans' and a few tests. One of them told me he'd keep me up to date by e-mail, helping me w/ concepts and stuff (AP Calc)

 

[PowerMacG5]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5
If you are going to rely on ATOT, then no. If you want to read a text book and learn the material yourself, then it can make a huge difference in college. If the college you are going to will accept your grades, then it could put you semesters ahead in areas. For instance, I went in with 24 AP credits, 20 directly applied to my major, so I was a year ahead in calculus, a year ahead in physics, and a semester ahead in CS.

Yea, my teachers are supplying me with the textbooks they use, and some rough 'lesson plans' and a few tests. One of them told me he'd keep me up to date by e-mail, helping me w/ concepts and stuff (AP Calc)

Well, if you are getting faculty help, then you should be fine. I take it you can email, call, or meet with him when you need help. I would have them make up a test for you every couple of weeks so that you can make sure you are on course, and know the material. Remember, AP classes move very fast, and you should be finished learning new material in April, so you can review for a few weeks. I would not do more than two of these independent study's since you will probably fall behind without a teacher forcing you to keep up.

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

The AP Physics C test (At least the E/M part) is quite difficult

 

[PowerMacG5]

Originally posted by: cchen

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

The AP Physics C test (At least the E/M part) is quite difficult

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Originally posted by: cchen

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

The AP Physics C test (At least the E/M part) is quite difficult

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

That's just you. E&M is significantly harder for most people.

To the OP, you could possibly pass mechanics on your own. But it wouldn't be easy, especially if you've never had a physics class.

 

[Fenixgoon]

i'd say the concepts of AP chem would be pretty hard to understand if you haven't had much chem at all

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Originally posted by: cchen

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

The AP Physics C test (At least the E/M part) is quite difficult

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

I feel stupid right now. I have taken "Advanced" physics at my school. We learned nothing, he gave us all equations solved for missing variables ON THE FRIGGIN board, didn't test us on concepts, just easy math, and no calculus was involved, only basic algebra. My school also cancelled AP Physics because only 17 kids signed up. Makes me angry.

 

[Mo0o]

It's possible. But it would require a large amount of work on your part. And alot of dedication

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
It's possible. But it would require a large amount of work on your part. And alot of dedication

I have a whole summer and an open semester of school for it. I have the time, and dedication shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: Mo0o
It's possible. But it would require a large amount of work on your part. And alot of dedication

I have a whole summer and an open semester of school for it. I have the time, and dedication shouldn't be a problem.

Then i'd say go for it.

 

[LordMorpheus]

if you are in a solid chemistry class, buy the Barron's or Princeton Review book and study it, you should do fine (you will have to study). Calc isn't too bad if you are taking calc already. Physics . . again, how hard are you willing to study?

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: LordMorpheus
if you are in a solid chemistry class, buy the Barron's or Princeton Review book and study it, you should do fine (you will have to study). Calc isn't too bad if you are taking calc already. Physics . . again, how hard are you willing to study?

I have no day job, I have no obligations, no trips, nothing. I have a summer, and a spring semester of highschool in which I can study. I have time, and I am determined, since I was just denied for a state funded college thing (for seinors in highschool)

 

[PowerMacG5]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Originally posted by: cchen

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

The AP Physics C test (At least the E/M part) is quite difficult

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

I feel stupid right now. I have taken "Advanced" physics at my school. We learned nothing, he gave us all equations solved for missing variables ON THE FRIGGIN board, didn't test us on concepts, just easy math, and no calculus was involved, only basic algebra. My school also cancelled AP Physics because only 17 kids signed up. Makes me angry.

AP Physics C i significantly different than B. In Physics C you actually need to think for yourself, and not everything can be solved with an equation on the reference sheet.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Originally posted by: cchen

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

The AP Physics C test (At least the E/M part) is quite difficult

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

I feel stupid right now. I have taken "Advanced" physics at my school. We learned nothing, he gave us all equations solved for missing variables ON THE FRIGGIN board, didn't test us on concepts, just easy math, and no calculus was involved, only basic algebra. My school also cancelled AP Physics because only 17 kids signed up. Makes me angry.

AP Physics C i significantly different than B. In Physics C you actually need to think for yourself, and not everything can be solved with an equation on the reference sheet.

In our current class, we don't have to think. That is why it is a waste.

 

[PowerMacG5]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Originally posted by: cchen

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
No, unless you're taking HOnors Chemistry or whatever class, and then maybe. You'll need to do alot of work and do practice AP problems from the College Board, etc.

I am in a supposedly "honors chemistry," so I think I could grasp basic concepts. This class is one that I will eventually take, but studying would help me understand it more (plus my summers are really boring). The main one I want to learn is AP Physics.

The AP Physics C test (At least the E/M part) is quite difficult

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

I feel stupid right now. I have taken "Advanced" physics at my school. We learned nothing, he gave us all equations solved for missing variables ON THE FRIGGIN board, didn't test us on concepts, just easy math, and no calculus was involved, only basic algebra. My school also cancelled AP Physics because only 17 kids signed up. Makes me angry.

AP Physics C i significantly different than B. In Physics C you actually need to think for yourself, and not everything can be solved with an equation on the reference sheet.

In our current class, we don't have to think. That is why it is a waste.

I wouldnt suggest taking C until you have a solid pre-calc background. Physics C uses a lot of Calculus (a lot of integrations), so if you cannot grasp calculus, then you will fail in C.

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

Ok, maybe for you, but even university professors will acknowledge that E/M is more difficult than mechanics

 

[RedCOMET]

Originally posted by: cchen

Originally posted by: PowerMacG5

Only if you didn't pay attention or read the book. I found E&M to be just as easy as Mechanics.

Ok, maybe for you, but even university professors will acknowledge that E/M is more difficult than mechanics

It also depends if the prof you get can actually teach it. I took AP phsycis B in high school. It was nice to get exposed to the material, but after a year, i found relearning the E/M stuff harder in college. Also, we hardly ever used any calc (integrals and what not) in my calc based physics class in College. We understood how to derive some equations, and take partial derivative, but calc wasn't needed for everything nor was it used. I was talking the Physics for Engineers, too.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly
Would it make sense to do a self study for them (notably AP Calculus, AP Chemistry and AP Physics)? My school doesnt' offer many of thes, and my seinor year is going to be filled up with extra study halls and I am thinking of doing this. Is it possible without the help of a teacher (aka using hte knowlege of OT to help )? Any responses are appreciated!

It sounds to me like you're already set on going to college and studying science - good for you on that part.
Rather than bothering with AP classes, why not sign up for an actual college level course if you have a Community College in the area? Intro Calc/Chem/Physics would give you a great idea of what to expect - and if you didn't do too well, it wouldn't show up on your real transcript.