Is AP World History Hard? A Homeschooler's Guide

Fast Facts

• AP World History is challenging but manageable for disciplined homeschoolers.
• Over 370,000 students take the exam annually; homeschoolers often excel.
• Effective notes and regular practice of essays (DBQ, LEQ) are crucial.
• Scores of 3 or higher typically earn college credit.
• Use an AP score calculator and courses like Wild World of History for targeted exam preparation.

As a homeschooler, deciding whether to tackle AP World History often feels daunting. It's common to wonder, "Is AP World History hard?" While the course certainly presents challenges, with proper planning and resources, homeschoolers frequently succeed. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

How Many Students Take AP World?

AP World History is one of the most popular AP courses, with over 370,000 students taking the exam annually, according to the College Board. Roughly 65% of students pass (score 3 or higher), reflecting the exam’s challenging but manageable nature. Homeschoolers frequently outperform national averages due to flexible scheduling and disciplined study habits.

AP World History Units

“AP World History: Modern” is organized into nine units, covering significant historical developments from approximately 1200 CE to the present:

1. The Global Tapestry (c. 1200 to c. 1450) – Explores early global connections and interactions.
2. Networks of Exchange (c. 1200 to c. 1450) – Highlights the growth of trade routes such as the Silk Road.
3. Land-Based Empires (c. 1450 to c. 1750) – Examines major empires including the Ottoman, Mughal, and Qing dynasties.
4. Transoceanic Interconnections (c. 1450 to c. 1750) – Focuses on exploration, colonization, and global trade expansion.
5. Revolutions (c. 1750 to c. 1900) – Covers significant revolutions like the American, French, and Haitian revolutions.
6. Consequences of Industrialization (c. 1750 to c. 1900) – Discusses industrialization's global impacts and social changes.
7. Global Conflict (c. 1900 to present) – Covers major global conflicts including World Wars I and II.
8. Cold War and Decolonization (c. 1900 to present) – Explores post-WWII tensions and the process of decolonization.
9. Globalization (c. 1900 to present) – Examines contemporary global interactions and challenges.

Homeschoolers often find that breaking these units down into manageable weekly segments helps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Many also integrate supplemental resources, such as documentaries, podcasts, and interactive online lessons, to bring these historical periods to life

AP World History Notes

Given the extensive material, from 1200 CE to today, effective notes are vital. Homeschoolers should consider:

• Organizing notes by historical period and theme.
• Creating timelines, outlines, and thematic charts.
• Incorporating visual aids like maps or flashcards.
• Reviewing regularly to strengthen retention.

Quality resources like the Wild World of History course, which specifically prepares homeschoolers for the AP exam, can enhance note-taking and deepen your understanding of the material.

How to Pass the AP World History Exam

Passing the exam as a homeschooler involves strategic planning. Here's a straightforward roadmap to passing the AP World History exam as a homeschooler:

• Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with question types and scoring rubrics early.
• Utilize Engaging Resources: Incorporate video-based curricula to make history more engaging. For instance, Professor Larry Schweikart's World History course offers dynamic presentations that bring historical events to life, catering to various learning styles. ​
• Consistent Study Schedule:  Plan your study year-round; consistency is key.
• Engage with Content: Relate historical events to your interests, whether cultural, economic, political, or spiritual.
• Practice Tests: Frequently take full-length practice exams and use score calculators to track your progress.
• Implement Active Learning Techniques: Engage in interactive activities such as debates, role-playing, and simulations to deepen understanding. 
• Seek Feedback: Utilize homeschool co-ops, online tutors, or forums for feedback, especially on essays.

AP World History Scoring

The AP World History exam is scored on a scale from 1 to 5:

• 5 (Extremely well qualified)
• 4 (Well qualified)
• 3 (Qualified, passing)
• 2 (Possibly qualified)
• 1 (No recommendation)

Colleges often grant credit for scores of 3 or higher, though selective institutions may require scores of 4 or 5.

AP World History Calculator

An AP score calculator helps you estimate your exam score based on practice tests, guiding your study strategy. By entering your practice results (multiple-choice, short-answer, Document-Based Questions (DBQ), Long Essay Questions (LEQ)), you receive a predicted AP score, enabling targeted improvements and increasing confidence for exam day.

Conclusion: Is AP World History Worth It for Homeschoolers?

So, is AP World History hard? The honest answer: yes, it can be challenging, but certainly not impossible. Its rigor is balanced by its rewards, including college readiness, critical thinking skills, and academic confidence.

Homeschoolers, equipped with flexibility and self-directed learning habits, often find themselves uniquely positioned to excel. Whether approached from a secular or Christian perspective, AP World History offers substantial benefits for homeschool students willing to embrace its challenges.

With thoughtful preparation, consistent effort, and clear strategies, you'll find AP World History not just manageable but deeply rewarding.

Need help with AP World History? Explore Video - Based World History Curriculum!