<p>I am making my schedule for senior year and have a question about APs. I have taken 5 APs through Junior year (basically all 5s (4 in chem)). Right now I am taking three more as a senior, so I was wondering if I would be at a disadvantage with 8 APs applying to highly selective schools like UC Berkeley and Cornell. I can take an additional 2 if I need to, so please let me know if I should. I recognize that only APs are a small part of a big picture, but I am just wondering if it would disadvantage me at all to have only 8 APs.</p>
<p>How many do top performing students in your school take?</p>
<p>It depends on your high school. If the top students take 6-7+ AP’s and your guidance counselor says you took the toughest courseload available, then you’re fine. If the top students are taking 10-12 and your GC’s evaluation reflects that your schedule was “strong” but not in the top range, then you should take more. Personally I think you’re fine as 8 is a lot of AP classes, but you should confirm with your counselor. </p>
<p>My school is a strong public school and 8 APs would easily place me among the top students. The “strong” but not excellent students take 2-3 and the top-performing students take 6-7</p>
<p>Then in the context of your school, I think you are absolutely fine.</p>
<p>Colleges look to see if you’ve taken the most rigorous course load available. I was told that I would never get into high-caliber schools like Cornell (which is where I will be attending) because my high school only offered two APs. However, I took both plus an additional one online and colleges were able to see that I pushed myself to the extent my school and environment would allow me. </p>