<p>I've been home schooled my whole life, and I've never done any kind of AP program. How much of a difference is that going to make? My program is supposed to be pretty rigorous and comprehensive (A Beka), but I can't really compare it to anything else.</p>
<p>I plan to major in something STEM-related, and I'm worried that this will hurt my chances. Is it that big a deal?</p>
<p>Also, if I should take AP exams, how plausible is self study?</p>
<p>I don’t know how important APs specifically are, but outside verification, such as APs, SAT IIs, CLEP, community college, etc., are very important.</p>
<p>For whatever you want to major in, you should be able to demonstrate some sort of interest in it before applying to college. Science fairs, internships/jobs, extra classes, competitions, etc., will all show interest. </p>
<p>Many people self-study for AP exams. It depends how much effort you’re willing to put in.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My kids took quite a few AP exams (17 between the two of them + plus 7 that they did not end up taking their senior year because they would have not have received credit)</p>
<p>They self studied for about half of them.</p>
<p>It depends on the level of college you are looking at attending. If it’s a mid or lower level college (as per entrance stats), APs aren’t necessary. Having something to verify homeschooling grades is, but that can be a high SAT/ACT score or average SAT/ACT scores with SAT II tests or outside courses (co-op to community college). My oldest easily made it into his first choice Christian college (with merit aid based on his ACT - 97th percentile) with no AP classes. He had one community college A (English), but the rest was completed totally at home.</p>
<p>For higher level schools, APs are very useful. If not those, try for quite a few more of the “other” outside confirmation options and you pretty much need a high SAT/ACT.</p>