Is taking one AP enough?

Applying to College
1

Hey, I’m a sophomore in high school and am having some trouble building my schedule for junior year. At our school, only one AP is offered for under classmen. For the past two years, I’ve taken almost all honors classes, and orchestra, web design, and sculpture as electives.

Here is what I plan on taking next year:
AP BC Calc (skipped a year of math)
Honors Physics
Honors US History
Honors British Literature
Honors Italian IV
Honors Biotech, bioengineering, and bioethics (science elective- full year)
Honors symphony orchestra

A lot of my friends are taking multiple APs that I am recommended for and can take next year, but am not super interested in. As a junior, I could take AP US history and AP Language and composition for core classes. In terms of additional AP classes that I could take as an elective, I’m thinking of AP Computer Science A and AP environmental science.

I’m generally pretty interested in biology and would love to take biotech next year as the teacher who teaches the course has a doctorate degree in the field and might retire after next year (The course might not be offered after her retirement if they can’t find a teacher to teach it).

I’m just worried about only taking one AP junior year, even though I’m trying not to compare myself to my classmates.

In terms of senior year, I plan on taking multiple APs, including AP Stats, AP Italian, AP science (bio or physics most likely), AP economics, and probably AP computer science a.

Should I consider taking more APs next year as a junior to show to colleges that I’m an “ambitious student”?

I definitely think that I’m overthinking this and I should just take courses that I’m passionate about and just worry less about my course selections in relation to college admissions. But any advice and personal experiences would be great to hear!

Thank you so much!

2

What kinds of colleges are you targeting?

There are plenty of excellent colleges out there that won’t care if you take any APs at all (as long as you do well in the classes you do take).

On the other hand, if you are applying to very highly selective colleges (or certain highly selective programs at otherwise somewhat-selective colleges) you are highly likely to weaken yourself as a candidate if you don’t take AP Language and/or AP-level history, whether or not they are “your thing” or related to your major. These colleges (or programs) will expect your guidance counselor to check the box that says you are taking the most rigorous classes available (talk to your GC because this is high-school specific). One AP level class in junior year would likely be on the low side, particularly if your high school does, in fact, offer a broader selection.

Running your own race is an excellent strategy, but depending on your goals, it requires some balance with “keeping as many doors open as possible”. You have to figure out what is best for you.

You will not be penalyzed for not taking AP or other classes if your high school does not offer them.

3

Thank you for the info!

I wouldn’t say I’m striving for ivy league colleges for undergrad but I’m definitely thinking of applying to some. I’d say I’m aiming for top 50 schools like Northeastern and schools in the Northeast like UMass Amherst.

Also, AP language does sound like something I’d be interested in taking, but next year is the first year they are offering it at my school so I’m not entirely sure what the course is like.

4

I would stick with Italian 4 for next year. I would consider picking up APUSH though.