I’m currently a freshman and I took AP Microeconomics online and got an A. I took the AP test and got a 4 or a 5. I also self studied AP Spanish (non-native speaker) and probably got a 4. No other freshman at my school has taken any AP classes. Do colleges care about this? Does it make me stand out, or is it obsolete?
Most schools care about whether you took advantage of what your high school offered. If you do anything outside of school it should reflect your passion. It’s fine to take a course online if it is something that is of interest to you and your school does not offer it. Accumulating AP scores is not something that will necessarily make you stand out or make you a stronger candidate.
As a broad generality, schools prefer to see you taking your energy and passion and directing it into some kind of activity which preferably involves other people rather than simply additional study. They are already overwhelmed with academic grinds.
It is mostly for your own good rather than admission. You may earn a better AP scholar title to put on your application. It may also give you college credit later on.
No. It is a nice accomplishment, but far from unique. @billcsho is correct, IMO.