AP Classes vs. Extra Curricular...

Applying to College
1

Hi!
I’m currently a (Asian) sophomore and I was signing up for classes for next year…
As somebody who WANTS to go to a more competitive school, I was wondering which would look better, AP Courses or Extra Curricular…
-My freshman year I was not allowed to take any AP courses, currently I am allowed to take AP European History. Next year I have signed up for AP Physics, AP Calc AB, AP Lang, and APUSH… Senior year I plan on taking AP Stats, AP Gov, AP Bio (or AP Chem), and AP Lit.
-I also am taking Orchestra and French. In orchestra, I have competed at Solo and Ensemble state and made All-State orchestras and have received some Extra Curricular accolades through it. You must be in Orchestra (or a music class) in order to do audition and compete in those events… I also partake in a youth symphony but it still does not allow me to compete at Solo and Ensemble.
-I cannot drop French as my school HIGHLY RECOMMENDS four years of a foreign language (plus I love the class)

-Should I drop Orchestra to fit in a couple more AP courses (AP Chem or Bio and Psych) or should I stick with it and (hopefully) win awards through it?

Thank you so much!

2

Stick to Orchestra if you enjoy it. Colleges don’t require you to take a zillion APs. For example:

Stanford:
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.