<p>I guess there are probably similar posts to this one, but I am still not sure about it.</p>
<p>How many APs should I take?
I have already taken AP Bio and World History last year (I got 5's on both). And I am definitely going to take AP Chem, US history, and Calc BC this year. But I am not sure if I should take maybe one or two more for this year. How does the numbers of APs taken affect college admissions?</p>
<p>Note: I am junior right now.</p>
<p>It won’t affect whether or not you are admitted, but may affect what level you are placed at. If you take and pass enough AP tests, you could easily enter as a sophomore or even a junior at many schools. The more you pass in high school the less classes you will have to take in college. It can really save you some money.</p>
<p>Are you targeting Top 20 Unis or Top 10 LACs? If so, rigor of coursework really isn’t an option. If you avoid APs that are available at your school, what would that say to an adcom?</p>
<p>Son’s HS recently had an AP information night. Featured speaker was asst dean of admissions from University of Denver. He said they are not looking for a set number of AP courses on a transcript. They want to see that a student is willing to take on the challenge of an AP course and then do well. Advised students not to load up on AP classes if it threatened their GPA or their sanity.
My junior son is taking 5 AP’s this year. First semester he got 4 A’s and 1 B. The work load is heavy but managable. He says he would be bored in the “regular” English or US History sections. Plus the AP classes have the best teachers.</p>
<p>I see. Thanks a lot!!</p>
<p>"Advised students not to load up on AP classes if it threatened their GPA or their sanity. "</p>
<p>Right. Just make sure you are challenging yourself in a “healthy” way. Healthy to your GPA and sanity :]</p>
<p>You are evaluated in the context of your environment. There is no universal standard for how many AP classes to take. </p>
<p>So you should challenge yourself as much as possible without sacrificing your sanity. If you’re aiming for tippy-top schools, you should take a courseload that would be considered the “Most Rigorous” at your school (since your GC marks that off on her evaluation) but not necessarily the hardest, most insane courseload at your school. Be smart; take AP classes in areas tailored to your strengths. You cannot stretch and grow in a challenging class if you don’t have an inituitive grasp of the fundamentals. And luckily, colleges don’t need you to be superboy genius, just demonstrate academic capability, which you can do best in the classes that suit your strengths. </p>
<p>As for its effect on college admissions, yes, course rigor does play a role (as do your AP scores). But again, there is no universal standard. Most colleges will smile when kids ask them whether to get a B in the AP class or an A in standard level and then say “The A in the AP.” So challenge yourself wisely. When it comes down to the B in the AP/A in regular debate, the answer will vary by college.</p>