<p>How is it that some people are taking like 7 APs plus self studying another 2 plus preparing for olympiads and SATs? 5 APs are no problem, maybe even 6, but that much? It’s not that it would be too hard, but there just simply isn’t enough time in the day to get all the work done, studying, as well as sports. I’m not even factoring in a social life. What about if you’re defending valedictorian, and then <em>really</em> can’t let your grades slide. I can’t imagine having a 97.5 average with 6 APs and accomplishments in sports and ECs. I guess maybe there are just people that can read things once and know it all. </p>
<p>As a reference, I took 4 APs soph year, and am in 6 APs now (doubling up in science). I’m REALLY considering dropping AP Physics though, so i can spend more time on multivariable calc through stanford and preparing for the chem olympiads. I feel like my time would be better spent on something like that than trying to impress colleges by squeezing in that one extra AP. Btw I get like 7 hrs of sleep, and try very hard to never get less than 6 hrs</p>
<p>I took 1 AP freshman year, 2 APs sophomore year, 6 APs junior year, and am taking 6 again senior year. This is one of the most rigorous courseloads in my large school, although not quite the most rigorous one (some have managed to cram in 3 or 4 more APs by wrangling with school administration).</p>
<p>Personally, I never found the workload overwhelming, though it was certainly considerable during junior year. I received all A grades without much tension and got 5s in almost all of my exams (4 in CS A due to M/C fail, 4 in Bio since the curve shafted us, and a surprise 4 in both Econs probably due to underpreparation). As such, I received the National AP Scholar award as a junior/rising senior.</p>
<p>My advice: Consider workload more than difficulty (of the APs I’ve taken thus far, none were punishingly difficult for me), as well as your natural aptitude with regards to school performance (do you have to work hard for good results or do they come easily?) when selecting your courseload. Remember, for HYPSM, you should be taking something close to the most rigorous courseload your school offers and performing extremely well.</p>
<p>Also consider self-studying additional APs if you find it doable and the school does not permit you to take more AP classes. A friend self-studied for Statistics and Environmental Science, earning a 4 in the former with 48 hours of cramming and a 5 in the latter with ~2 weeks of study. This won’t really help you with college apps, but it can get you extra college credit and a renewed sense of self-satisfaction and challenge.</p>
<p>To provide context, I attend a suburban public high school with a modest national ranking. Usually a student or two each year is admitted into HYPSM. Not an elite school by any means, but a decent one, possibly the best in the area. ~25 AP courses (including many of the art courses) are offered.</p>
<p>No, you are smart. I cant even handle one AP class because of learning disabilities. Last Year in 10th Grade, I made the stupid mistake of signing up for AP World History, and went crazy, so i dropped and took CP World History. I felt bad for it.</p>
<p>I am taking AP English Language this spring, despite the fact that I never took English 10 and took English 9 CP twice.</p>
<p>I’ve only taken 4 AP classes because not a lot of APs are offered, or the ones that are I’m not interested in. I think it all depends on what you think you can handle, so if your entire schedule is APs then go ahead!</p>
<p>Hey all u guys that have taken multivariable calculus… any tips? I got a 75% on my first test and currently have an 80% in the class. I find it extremely challenging. Will passing the course look good to colleges or will I need an A/B in the course?</p>
<p>Not sure… what exactly are you having trouble with? I’ve just finished vectors and am moving on to traces. For me it was pretty straightforward. Only a couple physics-like problems with vectors and forces stumped me, since I haven’t gone through AP physics.</p>
<p>I took 6 ones year and it was tough but I got all 5’s. Since it was so challenging, I actually created the following to help other prep better: <a href=“http://www.learnerator.com”>http://www.learnerator.com</a> :)</p>
<p>I took none my freshmen year (and besides not being allowed, I totally would’ve bombed the course anyway), I’m taking my first this year, and Junior year I’m taking 6 and hopefully self-studying APES. I wouldn’t otherwise go all-out but my ECs are looking a bit weak and I want those AP awards uwu</p>
<p>With enough motivation, I don’t think any is considered too much. The APs are all varied, so some are easier and some are harder, but they’re all ultimately doable. I was lucky enough to have a really good AP World teacher this year, so maybe that’s where the optimism comes from.</p>
<p>My own stats are as follows:
Freshman: Honors Chem, Honors Alg. 2
Sophomore: AP World history, AP Biology, Honors English, Honors Math Analysis (dropped, will take this summer)
Junior: AP US History, AP Enviro Sci, AP English Lang, AP Statistics, Honors Span 3, Honors Art (prerequisite for AP Art)
So now, what I HAVE signed up for are
AP Gov, AP Chem, AP Eng Lit, AP Calc, AP Span Lang, and AP Studio Art</p>
<p>I wish I can take AP Physics or even Honors Physics…</p>
<p>The amount of AP’s to take depends a lot on how difficult classes are at your school. At some schools, people can get A’s without too much effort. However, my school is very rigorous, and four AP’s is basically the max. It’s nearly impossible to take more and do well, unless you are a genius and don’t sleep.</p>
<p>There really is no such thing as a crazy number of APs If you think you can manage it, go for it! I took 2 freshman year, 7 sophomore year, and 8 this year haha. Probably only 1 ap or so next year but I’m also taking 7 IB classes next year. Just make sure you set aside a good portion of time to study for the exams, and don’t procrastinate!</p>
<p>I’ve only taken 3 AP classes at all this past year and I’m doing 7 Senior year: 6 classes and 1 self-study. </p>
<p>I’m guessing the only real strategy is to crank out literally whatever’s possible in the summer, do as much as possible to get ahead and give yourself a safety cushion, and try not to cry a lot. </p>
<p>One girl in my school took 8 APs her sophmore year and passed all of them.
Anything’s possible. </p>
If you think you can manage it, go for it! I took 2 freshman year, 7 sophomore year, and 8 this year haha. Probably only 1 ap or so next year but I’m also taking 7 IB classes next year. Just make sure you set aside a good portion of time to study for the exams, and don’t procrastinate!</p>