Is it better to take multiple AP courses or continue four years of orchestra?

I am deciding on my senior schedule and currently I have AP English Literature, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1, AP Biology, AP Art History, AP Psychology, and Spanish 4. However, to take AP Biology, I dropped Symphonic Orchestra (highest level of orchestra offered at my school). Would it be better for me to continue taking orchestra class for four years (because it supposedly shows commitment) or should I take all AP classes to show that I am taking strenuous courses?

I also am not sure if I should take all AP courses except for Spanish because I am worried it may be difficult for me. Especially in May when AP Testing comes around. I have taken all honors classes since freshman year and took 1-2 AP courses each year. This is my first time taking more than 2 AP Courses and I don’t know if I should just work through it or if it’s not necessary.

Additionally, what is the recommended number of AP Courses a student should take by the end of their school career to apply to competitive 4 year colleges (such as UMich, USC, UPenn, etc…)

Fellow orcadork here. I would stick with orchestra, assuming you enjoy it. I’ve had a similar dilemma every year of high school (I’m a senior), and I’m SO GLAD I kept orchestra. It’s like a very soothing musical mental break in the middle of the school day. Plus, if you’re taking physics, that’s probably enough science. As for how many APs you need, more than 7 or so probably won’t make a difference. However, if an AP class is the right level for you, absolutely take it. In summary, keep orchestra if you like it.

If you enjoy orchestra then I’d stick with it. I know for my D orchestra was a great stress reliever and a source of great enjoyment in HS (FWIW she played in her college orchestra as well). There is no need to take two AP science courses in one year. Admission to top tier colleges is not predicated on who takes the most APs. Be careful not to overload your senior year schedule as you will need to make time for college applications.

On the other hand if you don’t enjoy orchestra, absolutely love science, and feel confident that your schedule will be very manageable then that is fine too.

Top tier colleges want to see your guidance counselor check off the box saying that you have taken the most rigorous schedule available at your HS in the college recommendation so you can talk to your guidance counselor about your proposed schedule(s) and ask if your schedule to date is sufficiently strong for him/her to check that box.

Do you like Orchestra? I would stick with that. You don’t need to take 2 lab sciences at once.
Like you say, you want to be able to do well in your courses.

Take orchestra if you like it. This is an example of enjoying the journey of life.

Keep orchestra. The skills you hone there will serve you well in life. Colleges will love the commitment to music. Leaving the Bio off won’t change any outcome at all. Good luck with senior year!

Orchestra. Do what speaks to your heart. The rest will follow. You need happiness to do well with your other schedule.

I also advocate taking only the AP classes that you truly love. But that’s just me.

AP English Literature, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1, AP Biology, AP Art History, AP Psychology, and Spanish 4. However, to take AP Biology,
=> that is WAYYYYY too many AP’s.
Top colleges such as the ones you listed expect 6-8 TOTAL. Since you have 3-4 already, apparently, all you need is about 4.
I’d change that schedule for
AP English Literature, => Honors English unless you drop AP Psychology
AP Calculus BC,
AP Physics 1,
AP Biology=> orchestra
AP Art History,
AP Psychology,=> keep only if you take Honors English, if you take AP English switch to another class
and Spanish 4