Extra AP Exams vs. Courses at Community College?

<p>Last year, I was class rank 2 then I got bumped to 1 because the student with the higher class rank took a course at a community college, which brought her overall GPA down. </p>

<p>I'm planning on not taking any extra courses because I'm worried that my class rank would go down. However, I'm planning on taking extra AP exams and studying for it outside of class. Is that a good replacement or a bad idea? I understand that admissions officers want us to "challenge ourselves".</p>

<p>yeah, i also want to know</p>