How do colleges view AP courses?

Hey guys! I'm currently a junior, and I've taken a few AP courses throughout high school. I was wondering how colleges view these classes when considering applications. Do they give more weight to AP courses, or is it more about the overall rigor of your schedule? Thanks for your help!

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking about how your AP courses might impact your college applications. From my experience with my child's application process, I can tell you that colleges generally view AP courses positively. They can show that you're challenging yourself academically and are willing to take on more rigorous coursework, which can be a good sign to colleges that you're prepared for college-level work. However, it's not just about the AP courses themselves, but also about the overall rigor of your schedule. Colleges typically look at your entire course load and how you've balanced challenging courses with other classes and extracurricular activities. They understand that not all students have access to a wide range of AP classes, so they're also considering the resources available at your school and how you've taken advantage of those opportunities. So, while taking AP courses can definitely be a positive factor on your college applications, it's not the only thing that colleges consider. It's important to maintain a strong overall academic record, stay involved in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate your personal qualities through your essays and recommendations. Best of luck with your college applications!