Should I take the APs?

I’m in 11th grade and from India doing the CBSE curriculum. As a result we do not have AP classes in school and were informed of AP this session itself. As everyone knows APs take place in May and I would have to take them this may itself. However, I have no clue about the rigor of the AP curriculum and with about 5 months to study, I might have less time than others. Morever there is loads of school work + extra curriculars + SAT prep etc. If i give the SAT Subject Tests in place of AP would that be alright? Or is AP the better option? And can you suggest some good books to prepare for APs specifically both the English Lang & Lit and Psychology as I’m aiming for a double major in English & Journalism.

If AP’s are not offered by your school, there is no point in taking AP exams. Colleges do not expect you to take exams for courses to which you have no access. There will be no advantage to you in taking any AP exams. Focus your efforts on CBSE exams, SAT/SAT subject tests, essay writing, and (depending on the college) extracurriculars. Good luck!

Thank you so much. I should probably take the SAT Subject tests to exhibit my skill in particular fields

If your targeted college considers SAT subject tests in the admissions decision, sure, go for it. However, I would limit it to three tests to avoid admissions offers perceiving you as nothing more than a test-taking drone.

Yup that’s true and i’m neither planning to give more than 3. I’m probably going to give the SAT I again in may and Subject Tests in June or vice versa