I am an Asian American. I take AP Stat, AP Lang, AP BC, and AP Comp Sci bc those are easier at my school and the curriculum looked more interesting. Do colleges like UGA or GT care if I take these classes over AP Physics and APUSH? I will not be taking APUSH at all in high school, but I will be taking AP Physics my senior year.
In general, no, they don’t care. That said, they would prefer that they would be across a variety of subjects and not, as an example, all STEM classes. Additionally, there is a perception that some AP courses are easier than others, so all lightweight AP courses would do you no favors. And there are no bonus points given for taking AP classes traditionally offered for seniors any earlier, so taking AP Physics as a senior is fine .Also know that while AP BC and AP Lang may be easier at your school, that is generally not the case.
I’d guess it will be more of a factor for GT than UGA. The top tier colleges want to see the guidance counselor check the box on the recommendation saying you have taken the most rigorous course-load available at your HS (which doesn’t mean taking every AP class – there is often some latitude in this). If the guidance counselor says that your current/planned HS schedules are sufficient to get that most rigorous box checked then you are fine for any college.
Colleges are going to look at AP’s in the context of what you want to study in college. IF you take only STEM AP’s or only non-STEM AP’s, how can that be the most rigorous? Also, not all APs are created equal as you cited. It makes the most sense to have some of both STEM and non STEM and also to do well. For some students one subject is easy and another is difficult the hardest thing is to demonstrate mastery in all that you do.
Yes, they can care that you took AP stats and APCS over AP physics and AP history. No, taking easier classes is no tip. Your app needs to make sense. Your choices need to make sense. Make sure you know what your targets recommend. And consider the competition. But sure, lots of kids take AP physics in senior year.