<p>I went to a small, public high school that only offered one AP class. I took this class, but did not take the actual AP class. </p>
<p>I'm wondering how far behind I will be in a highly selective school. An example would be CMU as I may decide to go there.</p>
<p>Can you clarify what you mean when you say you took the class but not the actual AP class?</p>
<p>Sorry bit of a typo. I took the class, but did not take the AP exam.</p>
<p>Colleges know you can do fine if they accept you. AP is a joke at lots of schools.</p>
<p>you're good to go, they just want you to take the most rigorous course load.</p>
<p>They won't penalize you for not taking something that your school doesn't offer. They evaluate your application in the context of the resources and opportunities you had available. They'll see from your high school's profile that they don't offer AP.</p>
<p>I agree what everyone else said about not penalizing you. If you are already accepted, and you think you won't be able to measure up to the other students when you get to college then you shouldn't be. They accepted you for a reason. Now if you are only a junior, then you can always take classes (that you are interested in) at a local community college. And if your REALLY want AP classes then you can take them online through APEX, but I personally would not because I hate online classes and feel that classes at the CC would be a better experience (especially if you are doing something you enjoy). I guess you can also take them during the summer if you are a senior, and you want to take something challenging (like Chemistry for Engineering Major or something) to prepare yourself. I would advise against this too, just because I think your should not be worried if you are accepted and that you should enjoy your summer.</p>
<p>You only need to take the hardest classes offered. That said, you can take exams without classes. If you're worried:</p>
<p>Look at what's on the exams. If your physics class covered most of it - you only need to study a little to ace the physics exam. If you're in calc, feel free to take the AP Calc exam. Get the picture?</p>
<p>I am in a similar situation (my school offers 0 AP classes), but I will definitely take at least 4 AP exams.</p>
<p>I have already been accepted. I'm just wondering how far behind my classmates I will be for those first couple years.</p>