<p>We just had our senior year class registration yesterday. I got in some disputes with some of the top students in my class. They are all applying to top schools (UCB, UCLA, Stanford, and the Ivies), yet many of them are only taking 5 classes instead of the full 6 (we have the option as seniors to only take 5 classes). I have been shunned for "jamming" myself with 6 rigorous classes (5 AP). Please tell me that not taking the full schedule is a large disadvantage in the admissions process at selective universities.</p>
<p>APs does not count alot if you do not demonstrate that you are dedicated/helpful in your school community and outside of school. If you are active in ECs then APs will definently show that you capable of stress.</p>
<p>Plus you don't need team max out your scheduale with APs.... 5 is fine .. as long you do good.</p>
<p>^ thanks for the reply. i wasn't distinctly stating that one has to have all ap classes. i heard that adcoms aren't impressed with people who have a hole in their schedule.....by their own choice</p>
<p>I'm having the same issue... I'm taking 5 classes instead of 6, all AP (most seniors at my school only take 4 classes senior year). Problem is, with scheduling, my only option for a difficult class to add on would be Chem AP. I'm already taking Enviro Sci AP and have no desire to do anything with math/science in college anyway, languages are my passion. And by getting out at noon I am going to go to an inner city elementary school and tutor Spanish speaking kids in English. So... It's just more worthwhile to me to follow my passion.</p>
<p>As long as it's very rigorous and you're succeeding, then go for it. Remember, Berkeley, for example, considers three things to be "very important": GPA, rigor of course load, and essays. ECs are simply listed as "important."</p>
<p>to the OP, the other students who are only taking 5 classes, will have an advantage for class rank ( unless your extra class is also weighted), but if your extra class is a 4 point class, then you are at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>Sorry...a few people from my class took the full courseload senior year, while a lot of others (myself included) had a free period. Based on where we all got in, there was no discernible pattern related to courseload. Actually some of my friends who took the heavier courseload regretted it long-term, since senioritis will kick in, whether you think it will or not.</p>