Junior, recently moved to US - 2 APs enough?

Applying to College
1

Hi,

I recently moved to the US from Asia, where I completed the IGCSE in an international private school. I am expected to get 3-5 A/A*s, and possibly 1 B/C. I’m still trying to understand the American education system, and I think I am learning a lot. I am aware that IGCSEs won’t be that useful for applications.

I am a junior, currently taking 2 APs (again, didn’t really know the system) realizing that top 50 universities will expect more. I am expecting to take 4-5 APs in my Senior year, along with 1-2 honors. I also recently figured out that I will be applying in my early semester of my Senior year, therefore the AP exams wouldn’t matter as much?

Experiences (High School):

  • Student council
  • 2+ years of competitive soccer in school
  • Competed in badminton, table tennis, track & field, soccer, basketball for 2+ years, volleyball 1 year
  • Helped to raise more than $2000 towards charity helping children struggling with cleft palettes/lips, and to an organization empowering disadvantaged children through the power of food

I essentially want to build a good profile for universities (Top 50 range). But I’m worried that they will look down on me since I am taking a lot of regular courses - only 2 APs this year.

2

When you apply to college, you will send both your US records and your international records. It will be very clear to the admissions committees that you have just arrived here, are adapting to the US educational system, and need to carefully organize your coursework so that you fulfill a new set of graduation requirements. Two AP classes your junior year is perfectly fine given everything else you will need to get through this coming year.

3

Check this out for what is generally expected…also make sure you meet your HS graduation requirements…like you might have to take an Art class, or an Economics class.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/2055289-faq-high-school-college-prep-base-curriculum.html

You are correct in that unlike the British System, your AP grades matter more than your AP test scoress. the AP test scores are used to get credit for classes (see your particular college to see how that works).