Advice for 8+ AP guys

Applying to College
1

I know, I’m doing it, too. 8 APs. Some of you guys are doing more! Challenging yourself is awesome, but you guys are taking 4 or 5 APs a semester, for Ivies - who don’t even give credit!
Me, I was lucky. I took one AP in 9th (psych), two in 10th (env & ush), two in 11th (bio & gov), and now three as a 12th (calc ab, lit, econ). I spread my APs out in a more doable manner.

My advice: Drop one of those APs! Heck, drop two, or three, especially if you’re taking 10+ APs. Take a community college class in a subject that just fascinates you, or has something to do with your future career/major.
For example, I decided against the pain of AP Chemistry and AP Language – chem sucks and I know I’m a great writer, so the lang teacher would have infuriated me.

I decided to take World Literature, Climate, Philosophy, and Public Speaking at a community college, and it is probably the best thing I could’ve done for myself. The first three classes I enjoy, the last something I struggled with and now am more comfortable with.

The point: APs you don’t care about - forget them. Schools have grants for dual enrollment, pick some interesting classes and do them. You won’t regret it.

Godspeed :slight_smile:

2

Good advice for those that are not interested in attending “most selective” level colleges.

3

Honestly, though, you can for those colleges, too! Ivies are used to seeing 13 APs - why not take 3 comm college classes in a cluster that shows your commitment to something, like computer science or law? - You’d still have ten APs, you’d stand out more, and you’d score better on all of your APs (more time for each).

4

Actually, this is EXCELLENT advice for students who plan on attending the most selective colleges.
HYPSM want to see about 8 APs, total. After 8, the law of diminishing value applies, and in fact 10+ is completely pointless from an admissions’ point of view (if you love the classes, good for you, but don’t do it just to stockpile APs).
Taking dual enrollment classes either to further a class completed at AP level or to explore a subject you’re curious about is exactly what they want. This shows personality and intellectual curiosity, two qualities top schools look for.
(Stanford clearly states “it’s not who takes the most APs who wins”, BTW.)