I’m a sophomore and considering classes for next year. I have over a 94 in every class right now, so I will be able to take any APs I would like next year. (calc ab, comp sci, chem, apush, english, stats). I love math and would like to either be a math or engineering major in college. Although I qualify for 6 APs next year, should I take them? My school is known to be very rigorous and I’m already up until 12 am every night doing homework, so I’m concerned about my gpa suffering under 6 AP classes next year. If I were to limit myself to four or five, I would drop apush or english. How horrible does this look in applications? I could see where it might not matter as I am not interested in majoring in those topics. I could also see where it might look like I am not challenging myself, because I currently have over a 95 in history and english honors. So which is it? thank you!
I am not an admissions officer, but I would say to at least take AP English and an AP math class, preferably Calculus, your junior year. If you can take an AP science class and an AP history class too, that would be good too. If you feel like the AP rigor is too much, then stick with those four classes or take one more AP class along with those classes. I just think those four subjects tend to be considered core subjects, so it might be beneficial for you to at least take those four classes. However, I do not know how tough the rigor of AP classes are for your school nor your work ethic, so just regard my advice as a suggestion. Lastly, remember that the goal is to receive A’s in your AP classes, so do not overwork yourself to the point where you are receiving B’s and C’s in your classes.
You still have junior and senior year to think about so it’s not like you have to take them all in one year. No, it does not look horrible at all to take a few AP’s at a time. No, it does not look horrible on applications.