I'm trying to plan my junior and senior year schedules, and I'm wondering how many AP classes I should take to be a competitive applicant for the Ivy League. I want to strike a balance between challenging myself academically and not overwhelming myself with too much workload. Any recommendations on how many AP classes to take? Thanks!
It's great that you're planning your schedule ahead of time and thinking about the balance between challenge and workload. When it comes to the Ivy League, there isn't an exact number of AP classes you should take. The general consensus is that you should aim to take the most challenging courses available at your school without completely overwhelming yourself. So, as long as you think you'll be able to take care of your mental health and do well in your classes, the more APs the better, if that's the highest level of a subject offered at your school.
However, if you're worried about managing your time, focus on your passions and strengths. It's better to take fewer AP classes in subjects you're genuinely interested in and succeed, than to load up on APs just for the sake of it and struggle.
Consider the extracurricular activities and other commitments you have as well. If you have an unusual extracurricular activity that you've been especially involved with, continuing to invest in that extracurricular may be a better use of your time than one extra AP class. It might be helpful to discuss your particular situation with your school counselor, who can provide you with personalized guidance based on your situation and goals. Ultimately, it's crucial to find a balance that works best for you and allows you to excel academically and in other areas of your life. Good luck!
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