AP Statistics and AP Computer Science

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a grade 9 student preparing for the AP Statistics and AP Computer Science exams independently. Participants explore the challenges and strategies associated with self-studying for these AP courses, considering the student's prior experience and the limitations of their school's curriculum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confidence in self-studying for AP Statistics and Computer Science, citing previous programming experience and available resources.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of self-studying when the student could take the course if offered, suggesting that taking the course might be more beneficial.
  • Some participants note that the student may be ahead of their school's curriculum and that self-studying could alleviate future stress during grade 12.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulty of AP Statistics, with some participants suggesting that it may not be as challenging as other AP subjects.
  • A participant shares their positive experience with AP Statistics, indicating that the course content is manageable and emphasizes the importance of understanding experimental design.
  • There is a discussion about the difficulty of mathematical formulas in AP Statistics, with mixed opinions on their accessibility based on individual backgrounds in math.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the effectiveness of self-studying versus taking formal classes. While some believe self-study is a viable option, others advocate for enrolling in courses when possible. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for the student.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential stress of managing AP courses alongside other academic responsibilities, highlighting the importance of pacing and planning in the student's approach to their studies.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering self-studying for AP exams, educators looking for insights on student preparedness, and individuals interested in the balance between self-directed learning and formal education.

kevinshen18
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Hi,
I'm currently in grade 9 and I want to do the AP statistics and computer science exams in May. I go to semi-private computer classes on the weekends and the teacher there says he is going to prepare me for the AP computer science exam. Along with that I have a Barron's ap computer science workbook and a Barron's ap statistics workbook. I do have previous Java programming experience. I'm thinking of self studying for the AP statistics and maybe doing a free MOOC course on Coursera or edX. So my questions is: Is this doable? Of course I am way ahead of my school's curriculum, but with a bit of effort I think the odds shouldn't be too stacked against me.

Any response is appreciated! Thanks.
 
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I suppose the real question is: if you're going to work through a MOOC and spend all that time to prepare for an exam so you can test through it, why not just take the course?
 
My school doesn't offer AP courses until grade 12. I want to do some APs early.
 
kevinshen18 said:
I want to do some APs early.

Why? Are you afraid there won't be any statistics left to do by then?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Why? Are you afraid there won't be any statistics left to do by then?

Since he can only take AP classes in 12th grade there may be other AP classes that he may want to take but will not have room for them in his schedule.
 
That's actually correct. I want to take some APs early and maybe in grade 12 or something I'll be doing AP Calculus or something like that. Plus, in grade 12, I don't want to die of stress by keeping up with AP, extracurricular and academics.
 
Have you considered taking classes at a community college? One advantage is that you can earn college credit for them without having to bother with an AP exam.
 
I'd rather prefer to self study and go at my own pace.
 
To answer your question more directly, AP Statistics and Computer Science aren't that hard to self-study compared to other APs. This is not to say thes fields are easy, but the breadth of material in these AP classes isn't quite as abundant in something like, AP Chem or Enviro. Plus with Computer Science background, knowledge can really contribute. So, I think it is definitely doable if you can juggle the self studying with your other classes.
 
  • #10
kevinshen18 said:
Hi,
I'm currently in grade 9 and I want to do the AP statistics and computer science exams in May. I go to semi-private computer classes on the weekends and the teacher there says he is going to prepare me for the AP computer science exam. Along with that I have a Barron's ap computer science workbook and a Barron's ap statistics workbook. I do have previous Java programming experience. I'm thinking of self studying for the AP statistics and maybe doing a free MOOC course on Coursera or edX. So my questions is: Is this doable? Of course I am way ahead of my school's curriculum, but with a bit of effort I think the odds shouldn't be too stacked against me.

Any response is appreciated! Thanks.

It appears as if you are the type of person that is a good individual learner, considering that you are way ahead of your school's curriculum and that you are planning to teach yourself statistics. I also happen to be a good individual learner, and I find that learning things on my own is often more effective for me than learning them in a classroom. I would advise that you to go for it. If you are a virtuous math student, then the AP Statistics exam shouldn't be a problem for you. This is because high school students usually choose between doing either statistics or calculus, and the students who choose to do calculus are usually the ones who are better at math. As the AP exams are graded on a curve, this should give you the statistical advantage.
 
  • #11
Yea, I agree in some situation it is often better to self study and solo it. I will have to check with my school to see if they offer AP Statistics. I know they have AP Calculus for sure, but I don't remember seeing AP Statistics on the list.
But, is AP Statistics hard. I know I can handle AP Computer Science due to my previous programming experience, but AP Statistics is where the bulk of my work will have to lie. Then again, I think it would be better to finish these exams early on in grade 9 than to wait till grade 12 and die of stress trying to study for the APs.
 
  • #12
kevinshen18 said:
Yea, I agree in some situation it is often better to self study and solo it. I will have to check with my school to see if they offer AP Statistics. I know they have AP Calculus for sure, but I don't remember seeing AP Statistics on the list.
But, is AP Statistics hard. I know I can handle AP Computer Science due to my previous programming experience, but AP Statistics is where the bulk of my work will have to lie. Then again, I think it would be better to finish these exams early on in grade 9 than to wait till grade 12 and die of stress trying to study for the APs.

I'm taking AP Statistics this year as a sophomore, alongside my Advanced Pre-Calc class. I find that so far, the class is actually quite easy. Most of the work in the class lies in designing experiments, so if you read all the instructions in the book on how to set up experiments, you should be fine. Just remember, you should describe exactly how you're setting up an experiment on tests. Do not simply say, "I would sample an SRS from this population." It is necessary to describe exactly how you would create the SRS.

There are also a few mathematical formulae in AP Statistics, but most of these are simple and easy to remember. For example, you will need to know the formula #S_x = \sqrt{\frac{\Sigma (x_i - \bar{x})}{n-1}}#. (In AP Statistics, you will always use #S_x#, not #\sigma x#.)

Sorry, LaTeX didn't work.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Choppy said:
I suppose the real question is: if you're going to work through a MOOC and spend all that time to prepare for an exam so you can test through it, why not just take the course?

Because, Choppy, this person may not have this course at their school or they may learn better on their own. Also, it could allow them to take a class they wouldn't be able to take if they simply took the course, as it would free up a space on their schedule.
 
  • #14
Are the formulas and stuffs hard to understand? I'm a grade 9, but I'm further ahead of the math curriculum here(I would cap my knowledge at Algebra 2).
 
  • #15
They weren't hard for me, but I taught myself calculus when I was 14, so I'm not a reliable source of what's easy or hard when it comes to math. However, most students at my school who were in Algebra 2 in grade 9 have no problem using them, so I think you should be fine.
 
  • #16
Okay, Thank you for the advice! I will try my best!
 
  • #17
lukasleibfried said:
LaTeX didn't work

Use two pound-signs before and after laTeX code, not one.
 

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