<p>So I was wondering if it would hurt my chances at an ivy league if I overload my schedule by some standards. My schedule next year goes like this:
AP Environmental Science
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus AB
AP Psychology
AP Economics
AP Computer Science
German IV
Online CP10 English
AP Physics B (Independent Study)</p>
<p>I personally don't think this schedule is too overwhelming but more of a challenge. Will Harvard and other Ivy Leagues be turned off by an excessive number of AP's? I also have several EC's and balance myself quite well!</p>
<p>Honestly if youre trying to impress colleges go right ahead but if youre trying to retain knowledge take less and concentrate more on them. Ivy league schools arent looking for kids with 10 APs a year anymore but rather kids who win national competitions and find ways to differentiate themselves from the rest of the applicant pool. If youre into science or math build something impressive and go over the elements through a scientific or mathematical acumen. Grades and test scores arent enough these days. Good luck</p>
<p>Taking a ton of difficult classes would never be interpreted in a negative light by any school. It’s good that you want to challenge yourself by taking all those tough courses. </p>
<p>However I agree with anthon on what top schools like Harvard are really looking for, and taking 1 or 2 extra AP classes really won’t make a difference. If there’s a subject you’re taking that isn’t necessary for credit requirements and you aren’t interested in it, then there’s no need to force yourself to take it. </p>
<p>It may be better to focus on fewer classes and concentrate on that, rather than completely overwhelm yourself with random courses and have less time for ECs, competitions, research, etc. But it’s your choice and there’s nothing wrong with what you currently have. </p>
<p>But like in my case my passion is science and I’m a research assistant at a lab, am working on patents, and also have large a variety of ECs. Did I take a huge courseload this year? I’m actually just taking 5 classes – AP Eng Lit, AP Macro/Gov, AP Phys B, AP Bio, AP Chem – Bio and Chem are both two class periods long though. </p>
<p>Nonetheless, there are plenty of people that narrow what they’re interested in and don’t necessarily take as many AP classes as they can stack on. It won’t hurt their chances as long as the counselor checks that box that indicated your courseload is of maximum difficulty at your school. Taking 7 instead of 9 classes for instance would probably be fine.</p>