<p>I think you sound like a capable student who can handle the work.
But it seems like you think you should take the AP class even though you don’t really want to take it. </p>
<p>The other posters have given good advice and plenty to think about.</p>
<p>Not applying to the top schools can actually help you in the financial aid game because second or third tier schools will try to attract students like you by offering merit aid.</p>
<p>If you already read the books then you really just have to review and write about them. Are the regular class books better and more interesting to you? (My son also hated many of the AP lit books this year! He moaned and groaned about them and I admit they were not my favorites either!). </p>
<p>There probably isn’t a wrong answer here. Either path is probably totally fine. Why take a class you dread just because it might look better on your transcript if you arent going for the tip tip school? On the other hand…you are clearly capable so why not?</p>
<p>Whatever you will do will be fine.</p>