How many classes should I take senior year?

Hi there! I'm feeling a bit stressed about selecting my classes for senior year. I'm not sure how many classes I should take to make sure I have a strong college application. Should I keep the same amount of rigor I had in my junior year, or can I ease up a bit to have more time for college applications and extracurriculars? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi there! It's completely understandable to feel stressed about planning your senior year course load. Maintaining a similar level of rigor as your junior year is recommended, as colleges like to see that you are continuing to challenge yourself academically. However, it's also important to strike a balance to avoid burnout. A common recommendation is to take at least 5 core academic classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language) and then consider what advanced or AP courses are feasible while allowing time for extracurriculars and college application work. For example, if you have taken AP classes in your junior year, it would be good to continue with them or take equivalent courses in senior year to show consistency. Ultimately, you should aim for a schedule that is rigorous but also manageable for you personally. Remember, your well-being is key to performing your best in both your classes and your college prep activities!