Here's something.
DS13 took a summer institute course last summer (Microeconomics). The professor suggested that he take the AP Exam this spring (almost a year later) as an additional challenge and possible way to place out of entry-level Micro course in college. DS said he wanted to do it and even though the course isn't taught in our district, they ordered the exam for him. I bought him a study guide months ago but he didn't start studying until a few weeks ago. He took the test yesterday and was more excited than I've seen him all year. He said "This is cool"--that, from my kid who never tells me anything positive these days means a lot. I don't know if he did well or not, but I am so pleased that he took it and challenged himself and was happy and has the experience of AP exam and maybe will want to take several more, even if his classes aren't officially AP...kind of enhanced, independent study.
