Hey guys! So I am currently a sophomore right now and I am taking 3 AP classes (AP Bio, AP CSA, and AP Euro). Next year, I am planning on taking 6 AP classes:
AP Lang
AP United States History
AP Calc BC
AP Psych
AP Physics 1
AP Chem*
I was just wondering how the course load will be for all these classes and whether or not I should take them next year. Thank You!
*I am currently taking Accel Chem right now, so I think AP Chem shouldn’t be a problem, but I am not really sure.
It can be done. It’s function of you, how much homework the teachers give, and ECs.
I agree with @vhsdad it depends on teachers, how you are as a student and how many ECs you plan to do. If you have a study hall and are very determined, it is possible to do this.
IMHO it’s a lot, especially if you are heavily involved in extracurriculars, leadership positions, etc. And you want to leave yourself time to get enough sleep.
I would say take AP Chem and leave AP Physics for next year.
Also check with upperclassmen at your school because every school is different. Here Calc BC can be a pretty time consuming class, and AP Chem is a killer. At your school, it could be another story.
My daughter and several other kids she knows self-studied for Ap Psych. And got a 5. I would self-study so you can still get the credit but not have to do the extra work for the class and take a study hour.
I would also keep in mind, going forward, that depending on your course of study some AP credits may not actually be directly equivalent for credit. For example in my daughters CS program, Physics I needs to be Physics using Calc. so she didn’t really get degree credit for that AP test.
You seem like a motivated student; good for you! I agree that two AP science classes is a lot, and physics can wait until next year. I assume you took biology freshman year? It’s fine not to have multiple science APs as long as you take one each of the main three sciences and then those AP sciences that you like and can fit in your schedule by the end of high school.
What level of foreign language have you completed? If you haven’t finished (at bare minimum) level three of a foreign language you would be shooting your self in the foot to forego FL for an extra science class, even if you plan to major in STEM. Competitive schools will really want to see FL though level 4. High school is the time for a well-rounded education. Plenty of time to specialize later!
Drop Ap Psychology. Take it as a fun class next year if you wish.
Keep AP Physics for next year - AP Chem is one of the hardest AP’s so you want to make sure you can do the work and do well.
Taking 4 Aps, including some of the most time intensive (APUSH) and some of the hardest (Calc BC and Chem) will already be a big step up from the 3 APs you’re taking this year.
You need to have a foreign language, unless you already completed Level 4.
I have completed up until Level 4 of French but I really want to take AP French senior year
Then, do 
What’s the problem with taking AP French senior year along with AP Physics 1 and two other APs of your choice?
I would hold off on one of the AP science classes until next year. Your load will be rigorous enough without it, and it will give you more time to shine in your ECs. Applicants tend to get noticed for what is accomplished in ECs (and matching to the college) more so than for sheer number of AP classes taken.
Drop Psych. And it depends on your school and how well you are doing this year. Do you have a 3.90-4.0 (unweighted), do lots of ecs and aren’t really that stressed? Then add more. The thing is, adding too much can sink your boat. My kid did 7 classes as a sophomore at a rigorous BS in the Fall. It nearly sunk the boat. Learned a great lesson. It’s not really how much you do, but how well you do it.
@Happytimes2001 My unweighted GPA, as of right now, is a 3.84 and my extra curriculars for next year are: Chess Club, NHS, Ambassadors, Science and Math Club.
@DivBiv As a parent, I would tell you, you are killing it. Congrats. And I would also let you take that load. I had the same conversation with my kid about two days ago. We did also talk about EC’s and volunteering. Make sure you don’t crowd out having enough time to develop your interests. And if you are a Varsity athlete, you need to fit that in too. We made our 3 sport varsity kid decide between being the Captain ( of an academic team) or being the Captain of a Fall sport. Oh, that kid wanted to do both. But we know as parents that it’s a tradeoff. BTW, my kid has a similar GPA.
My kid decided to skip the Fall sport ( which is going to hurt as there is a friend group) and focus on bringing the grades home for Junior year. Then do more in the Winter/Spring once the groundwork has been laid for classes.
Whatever you do, don’t take the extra course and sink. Better to have a slightly lighter load and be doing well across the board.
I would only take one AP science at a time.