Advanced Placement (AP) exams can offer ambitious high school students the opportunity to gain college credit, show academic rigor, and enhance their college applications process. What if your desired AP class isn't offered at your high school, though? Or your schedule is already full? For some students, self-studying for AP exams can be a popular goodbye to your dilemma! But, while many students self-study for AP exams, not all APs are suitable for independent students. Some AP exams are less intensive, have a wealth of resources, or require less background expertise. This is a complete overview of the easiest AP exams to self-study, with some links and information to support your independent learning!
What Makes an AP Exam “Easy” to Self-Study?
Before we get into the list, let's make sure we clarify what "easy" means for AP self-study:
Content Accessibility: The material is simple, involves less lab work, no group projects, and has no advanced prerequisites for understanding.
Resource Accessibility: There are many good textbooks, online books, online courses, and practice exams.
Exam Structure: The exam has multiple-choice or short-answer questions rather than paper or project based.
Relevance: The material has some commonality with general knowledge, or any regular or advanced classes you've taken.
With these criteria in mind, here are the AP exams most frequently recommended for self-study.
Top AP Exams for Self-Study
1. AP Psychology
Why it’s easy to self-study:
The content is straightforward, often overlaps with general knowledge, and is highly relatable.
There are many types of free and paid resources: textbooks (like Myers’ Psychology for AP), lectures on YouTube, and practice tests.
The exam itself is short (100 multiple-choice, two free-response questions) and the free-response questions are often considered straightforward.
Tips:
Focus on memorizing key terms, famous experiments, and psychological theories.
Use online platforms like Khan Academy and College Board’s resources for practice.
2. AP Environmental Science (APES)
Reasons for going self-study:
The subject matter is part of the environmental sciences and is broad but not too technical, discussing more current issues of climate change, pollution, and sustainability.
The course will not assume prior knowledge or study in environmental science.
The test will include cause-effect relationships, experiments/designs, and basic data analysis.
Things to remember:
A useful textbook to use that covers West Virginia environmental science curriculum is "Living in the Environment" written by G. Tyler Miller (download pdf online or look for used copies on Amazon), and use documentaries and other articles to build a supporting case study.
It is useful to try practice exams to review typical data interpretation and scenario based questions related to the environment.
3. AP Human Geography
Reasons self-study is simple:
There is only so much material, it generally covers society, population and culture, the exam is short, with concepts as opposed to facts.
Many students find it natural and easy to understand.
Tips:
Use the textbook "The Cultural Landscape" and websites that contain review books.
Practice map reading and memorize key terms using Quizlet or a similar service.
4. AP United States Government and Politics
Why it’s easy to self-study:
The content is foundational and overlaps with U.S. civics courses.
The exam structure (multiple choice and free-response) is straightforward.
Many resources are available, including College Board’s course guide and review books.
Tips:
Keep up with current events and Supreme Court cases.
Use practice questions to get familiar with the exam’s style
5. AP Comparative Government and Politics
Why it’s easy to self-study:
The course covers the political systems of a few countries, making the content focused and manageable.
There are fewer concepts to memorize compared to history-heavy APs.
The exam is concise, with clear expectations.
Tips:
Use review books and College Board’s course description to structure your study.
Practice comparing and contrasting political systems
6. AP World Languages (If You’re Already Fluent)
How self-studying is achievable:
If you are already fluent in one of the languages the AP program offers (Spanish, French, Chinese, etc.), the exam will consist mainly of reading, writing, listening, and cultural knowledge.
Unfortunately, your biggest concern will be learning about the exam format, not the language itself.
Tips:
Review the cultural and historical components.
Practice exams will allow you to get familiar with the constructs of the exam.
7. AP Statistics
Why it’s easy to self-study (for some students):
The course is concept-based and doesn’t require advanced math beyond basic algebra.
There are many online tutorials and practice problems.
The exam is formula-driven and emphasizes data interpretation.
Tips:
Use Khan Academy and College Board resources.
Focus on understanding when and how to use each statistical method.
Other Contenders: What About AP Computer Science Principles and AP Economics?
AP Computer Science Principles is considered manageable for self-study by students with some coding experience, thanks to its project-based structure and wealth of online resources
AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics are also frequently mentioned as accessible for self-study, especially for students with an interest in economics or business
AP Exams That Are Harder to Self-Study
Some AP exams are likely better taught in a formal class due to a variety of factors, including their difficult nature, lab-dependent requirements, or an extensive reading and writing rubric. Such AP Exams include:
AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Physics (only if you have a strong sort of knowledge of past chemistry topics and past lab experience),
AP English Language and Literature (due to the depth of writing and literary analysis reading),
AP US History and AP World History (due to the volume of readings, content, and writing of essays).
How to Succeed in Self-Studying for AP Exams
1. Create a Study Schedule
Identify the learning objectives of each section of the syllabus and the overall weekly objectives. Maintain consistency.
2. Use a Variety of Study Materials
In addition to textbooks and review books, consider using online courses (like Khan academy) and practice exams. and joining online forums or study groups for social engagement.
3. Take Practice Tests
Attempt to simulate the exam taking conditions to identify strengths and weaknesses. The practice tests will help relieve test anxiety and improve test-taking timing.
4. Review and Revise
Try to summarize your notes, create charts or flashcards and revisit areas of struggle. Active recall and spaced repetition are proven study techniques.
5. Deal with the Day of your Exam
Get familiar with the exam format and required materials. Use relaxation techniques to stay calm and focused.
Why Self-Studying for AP Exams Matters
Shows Initiative: Colleges enjoy students who take the chance to learn independently.
Creates Options: You can take AP exams that your school does not offer, take new classes, and/or earn college credit.
Strengthens Applications: If you score well on AP exams you took independently, it clearly indicates self-discipline, self-motivation, and academic dedication.
Final Thoughts
AP Psychological Science, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP U.S. Government and Politics, and AP Comparative Government and Politics are thoughts on the easiest AP exams to self-study. The exams for a world language, if you are proficient, would also be great options. Choose subjects based on your interests and skills, and use multiple resources, including practice exams, to help you. Being disciplined in your studies and following a cohesive study plan can make AP self-study a rewarding choice to challenge yourself and boost your resume in the application process.
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