Greetings college confidants,
It’s that special time of year in which I spend lengthy amounts of time thinking about my future and what could be, it’s time I fill out my course request for next year. I’m currently a sophomore and as the oh-so daunting junior year of high school approaches, I’ve find myself desperate for some reasonable advice. I’m considering taking 8 classes next year (i’m currently taking 8, 3 honors and 1 AP) but am really thinking about taking 1 Honors and 5 APs next year. Here’s what i anticipate my classes will be next year :
AP Calculus AB
AP Chemistry
AP US History
AP Spanish Lang
AP Studio Art 2-D
English 3 H
Leadership
Model United Nations
I’m all for taking challenging courses and making myself “look good” for colleges and such, but I really really do not want be over stressed or end up getting poor grades due to having too much on my plate. I work hard in school, currently have a GPA of 4.8 but 5 APs is a little scary. Please let me know what you think and share your advice. Thank you 
My D is going to be a senior and took a full load of AP classes this year. She finds she is at her limit and somewhat stressed. Her one fun class is a non-AP class. I would say unless you are making a run at valedictorian, you are wise to give yourself a little breathing space. It will probably as you say, help your overall health and overall grades. I’m not qualified to say if it will make a difference with for example Ivies but it sounds like you’re got it together. Good luck.