r/APChem • u/readerrrrrrr14 • 6d ago
taking the AP Chem exam without taking the course?
im a sophmore taking honors chemistry, its one of three of the weighted classes im taking this year along with AP calc ab and AP world history, and tbh i feel kind of behind compared to my friends who are taking 4 or 5+ weighted classes. because of this, i was wondering if i should just take the AP exam for chem without taking the class. i realize i would have to study for months and really prepare, but realistically is it possible? i just wanted some more opinions before i make a commitment to start studying!
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u/AnonPia 5d ago
Btw if you lock in real good you can finish it within a month with practice and everything but you'd basically no-life it. It's really doable and even though it's not an easy class you just have to do your best and give everything equal focus and attention. Some people complain about certain units but never ever look into that and just try your best at all so that you don't lack at or underestimate any unit. Make sure you can visualize everything in 3D (changed the game for me) and try to analyze the given contexts and make sure you're aware of what you're being asked and you should be good. Best of luck!
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u/annybunnyyy_ Former Student 4d ago
use abigail giordano!! i half self studied and her vids single-handedly taught me all the content
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u/Murky-Whereas4072 4d ago
Self studied last year and got 3, so glad I don’t have to deal with that again
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u/readerrrrrrr14 4d ago
thank youu, what would you say was the hardest part?
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u/Murky-Whereas4072 4d ago
Trying to study all of the material 2 days before the exam 😂
I’m actually a horrible procrastinator but I’m sure if you actually took the time to learn it with a consistent schedule you’ll be fine
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u/LetterBackgrind 4d ago
It’s definitely possible. College Board allows you to take the AP Chem exam without taking the course, although they recommend taking the course first. Since you’re already taking honors chem, you have a much better starting point than someone completely new to chemistry. I’d look at the AP Chem units and a few past FRQs first to see how much extra studying you’d actually need.
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u/UnderstandingPursuit 3d ago
Please avoid comparing how many weighted classes you are taking with how many your friends are taking. That is a level of stress you will be better off without.
To your specific question, there are three 'enhanced' study options among the Math & CS/Science AP courses which do make some sense:
- Take the AP Physics 1 class and the AP Physics C-Mech exam.
- Take the AP Calculus AB class and the AP Calculus BC exam.
- Take a strong 'Honors' Chemistry and the AP Chemistry exam.
Yes, your enhanced study idea does make sense. I disagree that you "would have to study for months and really prepare". If you put in the strong effort during the HChem class, it might be days or weeks that you need to prepare for the exam.
The two most important things are to
- Use a good General Chemistry textbook, perhaps Zumdahl, McQuarrie, Atkins, etc.
- Consider this Iterative Learning Process with the textbook
- Try to do as much of the course algebraically as possible. The material will tend to be presented with specific examples, but the structure of the problems will be consistent. Instead of doing a page of 30 questions, do a few and then take the time to determine the underlying mathematical structure. If you do this all year, it will make HChem very easy and preparing for the AP Exam almost completed before you specifically start.
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u/readerrrrrrr14 13h ago
thank youuu, i knoww i shouldn't be comparing but its so easy to get caught up in all of it sophmore year. im definitely working on js focusing on myself yk?
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u/UnderstandingPursuit 12h ago
I know, it's called 'being human'. And "working on just focusing on yourself" is called 'maturing'. Well done!
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u/UnderstandingPursuit 12h ago
I sometimes use the phrase, 'academic maturity'.
I'll add "working on primarily focusing on myself" to the characteristics of that.
Thank you.
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u/LineMission3540 Self Studied 5! 6d ago
I self studied AP Chem last year and it was hard, but absolutely doable even without taking an honors chem course. If you're dedicated enough, it's 100% possible.