Deciding on Number of APs

Hey guys, as I'm thinking about my senior year schedule, I'm questioning how many AP classes I should take. Would having more APs benefit me in college admissions? Are there any risks of overloading?

While taking a significant number of AP classes can demonstrate ambition and a willingness to challenge oneself—attributes that colleges value—it's essential to strike an effective balance. You should take into consideration your current workload, extracurricular activities, college application process, and personal life when deciding on your senior year schedule. It's not just about the quantity of AP classes, but also the quality of your performance in them. Colleges would rather see fewer AP classes with high grades than many AP classes with mediocre grades.

Furthermore, it's also key to take AP classes in areas that are relevant to your intended major or college. If you're interested in science, for example, taking AP classes like Biology, Chemistry, or Physics might be more beneficial than taking AP European History or English Literature.

The risk of overloading is that you might spread yourself too thin. Not only could your grades suffer, but you might also lack the necessary time and energy to spend on extracurricular activities, college applications, or personal pursuits that can elaborate on your unique strengths and interests. Overloading can also lead to burnout, which can affect your well-being and overall performance.

In conclusion, when deciding on your senior year schedule, it's best to keep in mind your academic strengths, personal interests, overall workload, and wellbeing. Choosing AP classes that you are excited about and are relevant to your future college studies can contribute significantly to your college admissions success.