At my school — known for having some of the best AP students — AP Biology had a reputation.
Every year, only one to three people scored a 5. That’s it.
It was the monster course everyone feared.
So when I say I got a 5, I don’t say it lightly — and yes, it was brutal.
Technically, I can’t say I completely self-studied for AP Bio because I took the school-offered class in 10th grade.
That class didn’t cover everything on the actual AP exam, but it gave me a solid foundation.
I’ve always loved biology.
When other kids were excited about physics or chemistry, I was the one nerding out over cell diagrams.
So if your school does offer an AP Bio course — and you’re not in your final year yet — take the class first.
Then, study on your own after to prepare for the test.
💬 AP Bio has a much steeper learning curve than most other APs.
If your school offers it, use that base before going full self-study mode.
Let’s start with this one.
It’s not even an AP-specific book — just a general biology intro.
I bought it before high school during my “academic-enthusiasm shopping spree” when I was convinced I’d read every textbook in existence.
I ended up reading it three or four times casually over two years — not as serious study, just flipping through whenever I wanted to learn something.