<p>How important are AP classes on a highschool transcript and how many should a student usually take during HS for acceptance into Wellesley?</p>
<p>...not necessarily any. AP classes show that you're taking a challenging courseload, but they aren't the only indicators of that. I only took two, but I got 5's on both. Though it isn't very hard to get 5's on APs, I would encourage taking the hardest classes you can to challenge yourself, not as an attempt to formulaically ensure acceptance to Wellesley. Don't try to take AP's if you think you can't do well in them simply to have it on your transcript. They're important, but keep in mind that good grades are maybe even more important.</p>
<p>My daughter was admitted to Wellesley this spring and had a very different experience from the last poster. She is taking IB classes, going for the full diploma. This really made a big impression on the AC, according to what they told her GC. She had a decent new SAT score, UW GPA of 3.6 and we think the IB pushed her over the edge. When they called to check on her semester grades, they told the registrar that her straight A's were exactly what they were hoping for. If you don't have IB course available, I would strongly recommend taking at least a few AP courses in your strong subjects. Our experience was that the selective colleges wanted to see students taking the most challenging courses their schools offered.</p>
<p>Personally, i think it is far more important to take AP or IB courses than to pass the exams. I only got 4s in Physics and US History, but showing that i took the most challenging course possible refelected well.
But i agree with the second poster. If you cannot handle the level of a class, don't take it. An A- or B+ in a reg. or honors course looks better than a C in AP or IB level courses.</p>
<p>There's definitely not a blanket standard for how many every student should take; all high schools offer varying selections. Ideally, you should enroll yourself in the most challenging level of every subject that you're capable of, I suppose.</p>
<p>I remember talking about my classes in my Wellesley interview. I didn't mention that they were APs right away, but when I did, the adcom lady perked up. So take what you can.</p>
<p>Also, it may sound cliche but I truly think my IB class experience will help with managing intense college courses. I took eight IB classes, but am only taking two IB tests. I've found that at least at my school, the grades students earn in IB classes are pretty similar to grades from regular classes, perhaps because of smaller class sizes, and thus more individual attention. Teachers also recognize that you are working harder for the class, and try to reward you come end of semester.</p>