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Going Solo

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BioHazard's picture
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Joined: Jun 2008
Going Solo

Hello Friends. I was wondering if anyone has ever taken the exam for AP Chemistry without taking the class. Basically, I plan to do just that and I wanted to hear encouragement...discouragement or screams of beware. If you guys have any thoughts on the matter, just post them here.

My plan is to take the Physics and Chemistry exam next school year. That way, i have now and the whole summer to get used to all the information. I'll keep fresh over my senoir year.

Furthermore, if you have anymore sources of help like the ones on this website or if there are any teachers out there, update me.

I'm a determined student and I work hard. With the proper advise and help along the way, I have no worries at all of wither I'll pass or not. But without help or not, i'm not backing out of my decision.

keppy10's picture
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Joined: Aug 2008

um well first have you taken any chem at all? (probably or you would be completely insane to challange the exam lol) even if you have only taken a regular level course, there is a ton of stuff that was not covered in the regular course. i took regular chem last year and i'm taking AP this year. Personally, i was high 90s in the regular course and if it wasn't for the great people in my AP class this year, i would be completely behind.

honestly, if your challengeing the exam for the college credit without taking the course, most colleges won't accept it because they don't know how you did at the cousre work. Unless you somehow manage a five, something that not may people do even with the class time, then they may consider it.

in the end this is entirely your decision to make and i'm just voiceing my opinion in the matter. if you do choose to challenge the exam, see if your school will let you borrow the text book they use, try to teach yourself, and take a practice exam in a real exam setting.

good luck

[CENTER][=DeepSkyBlue]I ain't here to do anything half-way
Don't give a damn what anyone might say
I just wanna free fall for a while
That rebel moon is shinin'
Those stars burn like diamonds
Hell bent on chasin' down that crazy slide
I'll foll

BioHazard's picture
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Joined: Jun 2008

Well, over the last couple of days, I've uncovered an immense amount of help. I have the book that my school used to use (AP Chem isn't taught anymore) along with some excellent review books. I have found the notes on here and I have podcasts that go into depth on the subject. I even have teachers now - although they are in Colorado and I'm in Florida. Not to mention i can hopefully talk the previous AP Chem teacher at my school into helping me out with some challenging aspects in the class. He hates Chemistry though.

I have taken Chem Honors. But I knew very well before making my decision that it was completely insane and that the AP class would go beyond the basics I've learned in the past.

However, I have great confidence in my ability to pick things up - I can do this. I just happen to be like one of those "great people" that you mentioned in your class, if there is such a concept. Anyone with the determination can accomplish this if they have a solid sense of fortitude.

I guess your sure about your comment on Colleges not taking the exam credit unless it is a 5? It isn't a big deal.

I'm going to make a 5

AdminChris's picture
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Joined: Jan 2005

BioHazard;92382 wrote:I'm going to make a 5

I like that determination :)

However, to follow that up, my brother got a 3 on his AP Chem class and he was valedictorian. He took over 10 AP exams during high school and got 4s and 5s on them with the exception of Chem. So maybe chem just wasnt his thing? Point being, bust your ass and study hard if you want to get that ! :)

Course-Notes.Org Administrator If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, complaints, rants, raves, random thoughts, etc etc- feel free to direct them at me :)

keppy10's picture
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Joined: Aug 2008

biohazard

i'm sorry if i sounded pessimist or rude and i offened. i think its crazy that your going to do this on your own but pnly because of my personal experience with the class, however i think its amazing how determined you are.

i was completely unaware when i made my previous comment about your level of determination and the help you would be able to find.

with the whole colleges not giving the credit unless its a five thing, i ment that they will be considering your class grades and your exam grade. and since you won't have the class grade, its depending completely on your exam grade.

like i said before, this is my opinion and only my opinion. i'm sorry if that angered you in anyway.

[CENTER][=DeepSkyBlue]I ain't here to do anything half-way
Don't give a damn what anyone might say
I just wanna free fall for a while
That rebel moon is shinin'
Those stars burn like diamonds
Hell bent on chasin' down that crazy slide
I'll foll

BioHazard's picture
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Joined: Jun 2008

You didn't anger me, but you did make a pessimistic outlook. no worries Keppy, It made me a lot more aware about what I'll have to achieve and a lot more determined.

Plus, I asked for it in my first post.

You were completely in tune with one thing. I am crazy.

If you have any advice or you can answer some questions about subjects I get stuck on, I'd be in your debt. :)

keppy10's picture
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Joined: Aug 2008

thanks for understanding. i sorta have a negative view towards chem cuz of the workload and the schedualing problem it causes with my other classes.

i would love to help if you have any problems.

what textbook have you decided to use?

[CENTER][=DeepSkyBlue]I ain't here to do anything half-way
Don't give a damn what anyone might say
I just wanna free fall for a while
That rebel moon is shinin'
Those stars burn like diamonds
Hell bent on chasin' down that crazy slide
I'll foll

BioHazard's picture
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Joined: Jun 2008

Woah, its been a while. I'm using the Zumdahl book, 6th edition. Basically I'm just devouring the book info and using several different review books.

I had to fight to get approval to self-teach myself Chemistry and Physics and take the exams. It seemed an administration change was the key to my success. :)

The original help I gathered has been diminished. I guess the teacher in Colorado didn't have time for me - but he did leave me with some podcasts. And as for the teacher at my school...he is diagnosed with a type of bone cancer and has his own problems to worry about.

So I'll just keep reading and when I need specific help I'll get on here.

rockdude221's picture
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Joined: Sep 2008

Good luck man, I don't think I could get a 5 on the test even though I am in the class currently. It all just seems to confusing to me. I am planning on taking the AP Lit test, Bio, and (MAYBE) chem this year.. but it will be difficult for me to do well. Best wishes on your solo efforts, even if you do not make a 5 you are to be commended for the effort involved. :D

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