I am currently a freshman in high school taking ap human and ap computer science principles, I actively compete in speech and debate, and am on my schools swim and water polo team. It’s not that hard to juggle everything currently, however, I am planning on taking 4-5 aps next year (Sophmore year). And a lot of people ar telling my they don’t think ill be able to handle it all.
Are you taking any now, and if so, how is it going?
I would say for sophomore year 3-4 is plenty. Debate and sports are time consuming, and so are AP’s. There are only so many hours in a day, and you need to sleep too.
I’m taking two, but they are pretty easy ones. It’s going fine I have As with not that much effort.
@Imheretostay23 That’s great. If you’re up for the challenge then, I would probably go with 3-4 and check with upperclassmen to see how each class is at your school (how the teachers are, etc.)
You are taking two APs now, and most colleges like to see an upward trend. If you take five APs as a sophomore, you should probably take at least six as a junior and/or senior.
I took one AP as a freshman, two as a sophomore, three as a junior, and will be taking four as a senior. Looking back, I probably could’ve challenged myself a little more, but I am glad I did not overwhelm myself.
If you take five APs as a sophomore while trying to keep up with two sports and debate, I definitely think something will start to crumble… your grades, your mental health, your social life, etc.
If you are very strong-willed, a fast learner, and have perfect time management, you might be able to balance it. If not, I suggest you take maybe 3 APs as a sophomore and perhaps drop a sport (whichever one you enjoy least).
Talk to your GC about how many APs to take…you are not expected to take 6 college level courses as a sophomore. It is okay to be a HS student in HS. Ramp up to maybe 2-3 as a sophomore (they will be harder) and concentrate on your Core classes not just taking AP classes because they are AP classes.
Concentrate on these classes:
Even Stanford says:
We expect applicants to pursue a reasonably challenging curriculum, choosing courses from among the most demanding courses available at your school. We ask you to exercise good judgment and to consult with your counselor, teachers and parents as you construct a curriculum that is right for you. Our hope is that your curriculum will inspire you to develop your intellectual passions, not suffer from unnecessary stress. The students who thrive at Stanford are those who are genuinely excited about learning, not necessarily those who take every single AP or IB, Honors or Accelerated class just because it has that designation
I don’t think I can express how strongly I disagree with this.
No one “should probably take” 19 AP courses.