Taking the AP exam without taking the class??

Question

Do you think it would be a realistic goal to take the AP exam without taking the class? I get straight As and whatnot...but my school doesn't offer AP courses!!

What would I have to do to be able to do this?

Also, aren't CLEP exams similar (can get you college credit) and would they be more realistic/are they easier?

Answer 1

of course it's a realistic goal! and it also looks good to colleges that you self-studied and got a good score on the AP exam.

so get a textbook and some AP review books to study. Psychology is an easy subject to self study. i also heard that Environmental Science and Human Geography are also easy. chose a subject that you are interested and good at.

CLEP exams are similar, but not that many colleges actually give you credit for CLEP. most colleges give AP credits. CLEP exams are easier than AP, i heard (i have never taken any CLEP exams)

Answer 2

It is definitely a realistic goal and it looks good to colleges to see you are dedicated to self-study. I would recommend studying for Psychology or Macro/Microeconomics. There involve the least critical thinking and are just memorization. If you are thinking about taking harder AP tests like Physics and Chem, I would suggest you take an outside course, like at a community college/summer school so you have a teacher who can explain more difficult concepts to you.

CLEP exams are supposedly easier but many colleges do not accept them as a form of college credit. I would stick to APs.

Answer 3

sure. i am taking the Ap exam for calculus next year without exactly being in calculus. im taking IB math, which is about the same level as the class (IB gets you college credit too). So i plan on taking the IB and AP exam, might as well. MOre credit for me!

Answer 4

I think it's quite possible. I was in the class AP Chemistry last year as a sophmore, but my teacher didn't teach me jack. We seriously just sat in the class all day and played video games on the school computers or did homework for other classes. Around spring break, I started studying for the AP test since I figured I wouldn't pass since I haven't learned anything all year. I managed to somehow get a 4 on the test. :P

Answer 5

My daughter took the Psychology AP exam without taking the class. She got a 3. You can do it, but it takes time and effort. A good study guide is a good place to start.