Everything You Need to Know about Self-Studying for AP Exams

The AP Program offers students the opportunity to study 30+ college-level subjects and earn college credit if they get a passing score on the AP Exam. Banking college credit in high school means lower tuition bills and even the possibility of graduating college early. Most students prepare for AP Exams by taking AP courses in high school. Self-studying, on the other hand, is a way for students to independently study an AP subject at their own pace while also impressing admissions officers with their self-discipline and maturity. Sounds great, right? Self-studying for an AP exam is not for everyone. Successful self-studiers have to choose subjects carefully, know how to manage their time, identify and access the best resources, and stay motivated. In this article, we’ll help you figure out if you’re a good fit for self-studying, and if you are, how to choose a subject and prepare for the test.

Is self-studying right for me?

Reflect on your last year of school. Can you see yourself doing it all over again but this time adding at least an extra three hours a week to read course material, watch videos, make flashcards, take and score practice tests? Self-studying will cost more than your time. To study on your own, you’ll at least need to buy a test prep book. Then, depending on the subject you choose to study, you may have to research and secure additional materials from podcasts to art supplies. Finally, consider the caveat that while your investment in self-study could yield college credit, you’re definitely not going to get the GPA boost that you’d get from a typical high school course.

Be honest with yourself: Would you describe yourself as an independent learner? Setting aside three hours a week to study, for example, only works if those three hours are used productively and efficiently. Having 30+ subjects to choose from is great, but is one of them a subject you’re genuinely interested in and definitely can’t take at school? Students who couldn’t find a way to fit an AP class into their schedules (maybe it wasn’t even offered) or who already have a strong background in an AP subject are a great fit for self-studying. 

What subject should I study?

There’s really only one rule to follow: take it easy. Easy can also mean something different to every student. Studying for an AP Spanish exam, for example, is going to be a lot easier for a bilingual student than it is for the student who grew up only speaking English. Stick to subjects that align with your established strengths. APs like AP US History and AP Literature and Composition require strong writing skills, so pass on those subjects if the idea of writing essays fills you with dread. Perhaps the easiest thing to do would be to piggyback off of what you’re learning in an honors level class and just do some extra studying before the AP Exam. 

Some AP subjects are also just easier than others, mostly because to ace the exam you don’t have to memorize a myriad of facts or apply skills that can be challenging to develop on your own. Self-studiers should opt for softer subjects, such as AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, AP Language and Composition, AP Microeconomics, or AP Environmental Science, and avoid AP US History, Calculus, Chemistry, US Government and Politics, and Physics.

How do I study?

Since self-studying isn’t the same thing as just studying for any other type of test, it’s going to look a little bit different. Consider the following steps:

1. Get oriented. Review all of the information available on The College Board website, including the course framework, sample questions, and exam description. Note topics and skills that you’ve already mastered and those you still need to learn. Create a sort of syllabus for yourself that you can amend as you make your way through the content. 
2. Plan a schedule. Use the information you’ve gathered and backward plan your study schedule from the exam date, setting aside the last three to four weeks to study for the exam. Make sure to set aside time for more than studying. In addition to getting study resources together, you will need to devote time to taking and reviewing practice exams. Be realistic. If you can’t see yourself sitting down to study AP Spanish for three hours on a Saturday morning, then spread out studying throughout the week. The most effective way to stick to schedule is to pick a routine that works for you!
3. Gather materials. Start with the basics (e.g. test prep book, textbooks, practice tests). The College Board’s AP Course Audit pages provide a sample course syllabus and example textbook list. Then, add on resources, such as YouTube videos or podcasts, that complement the way you learn. If you need more structure, try online instructional resources like Khan Academy or even full courses like those offered by UC Scout. 
4. Monitor your progress. Studying is more than reading a textbook or taking notes. Just like a real class, you’ll need to test yourself to assess your progress. Create a spreadsheet or set aside a page in a notebook to record the tasks you’ve completed and your scores on any practice exercises or exams. Highlight areas of strength and areas for improvement in different colors, so you can see the bigger picture and regularly adjust your study plans to get the most out of your limited time and identify any new materials you might need.
5. Register for the exam. This one is easy to forget, especially without a teacher reminding you! It can also be more difficult than it sounds if you’re planning on taking an AP exam not offered by your high school. Talk to your school’s AP coordinator to register for the exam before March 1.
6. Review. When the exam is about six weeks away, it’s time to wrap up studying any remaining units and start taking practice tests! Identify your weaker areas and create study guides, watch review videos, and flip through flashcards. See if you can join any study groups or review sessions at school or sign up for a tutor to get you through the home stretch.

Throughout the process of self-studying, there are inevitably going to be highs and lows: a low score on a practice test, boredom-induced procrastination, or a key concept you just can’t seem to crack. An effective self-studier stays focused and motivated through it all. Reward yourself for finishing an AP Psych FRQ with a night out with friends. Pair studying with something that makes you happy, such as a coffee to go with studying AP Human Geography flashcards. Study partners are great motivators, too. Whether it’s a study group or a tutor, find someone who will hold you accountable and make studying more interactive. 

How A+ Can Help

Self-studying for an AP exam means missing out on taking a class, but it doesn’t have to mean that you’re entirely on your own. At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, we not only offer AP Test Review tutoring to get you through the weeks leading up to the test, but our Academic Tutoring services can support you throughout the year. We can also be your partner for the rest of your college admissions journey, whether that means Test Prep tutoring, College Essay Services, or College Admissions Coaching.

At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, we can be reached at 215-886-9188 or email us at office@aplustutoring.com.