Are high school AP classes perceived differently in terms of difficulty by admissions officers?

Just wondering, do admissions officers have a ranking in mind for AP classes based on difficulty, or is an AP just an AP across the board? Trying to plan my schedule and I want to challenge myself, but I also don't want to overload if certain AP classes are known to be killer.

It's great to hear that you're planning your schedule thoughtfully! Admissions officers are indeed aware that some AP courses may be more challenging than others, though there is no formal, published ranking of AP class difficulty that they refer to.

Generally, AP courses that are core to a high school curriculum, such as AP English Literature or AP Calculus, are expected to be more rigorous, but how challenging they are can also depend on your school and the teacher. Colleges usually consider the context of your school's offerings and the rigor of your course load within that context.

If you're aiming for a balanced schedule, it is wise to mix AP classes that you feel passionate about and are confident in with those that might be a stretch. It's important to challenge yourself, but not to the point of overwhelming stress. Say you're a whiz at math but less so in history; you might take AP Calculus and pair it with a honors history class to stretch yourself without going overboard.

Always consider your personal strengths and interests when selecting your AP classes, and remember that colleges also highly value strong grades, so it's crucial to maintain a balance where you can succeed academically. Good luck with your scheduling!