Taking easier schedule to have more time for ECs?

Applying to College
1

This is sort of something I’m considering depending on the officer positions I get in my clubs (and possibly student council if I run).

As of now, I’m planning on taking 5 APs (two lab sciences), one honors class, and a study hall for my senior year schedule.

If I end up having more than the 3 officer positions in clubs that I expect I’d get, I am considering a schedule where I take 4 APs (one lab science), two honors classes, and a study hall.

The typical schedule for a top student at my school is 4 APs junior year + top level math (I’m taking 3 and top level math), and 4-5 APs senior year with 1-2 honors classes.

My concern is that if I take the 5 APs, one honors class, and study hall schedule, I might not have much time to actually put the effort that I want to into my clubs and my college applications. On the other hand, if I take the 4 AP schedule, I don’t know how a college would view me taking a schedule in senior year that is just as difficult as my junior year schedule, if not easier. Also, the 4 AP schedule would be very humanities/history-leaning (I’ve always had a STEM-heavy track and want to double major in neuroscience and languages). I also don’t know how colleges would feel about me sacrificing academics to focus on ECs.

I can’t take any classes below the honors level. I go to a very rigorous school, and honors classes are the lowest level class you can take. With either schedule, I will complete the requirements to graduate.

Thoughts/advice?

2

Colleges like to see rigor. That said, with 8 APs, you will have rigor. If you were considering taking the fifth AP class just becasue you think it will impress colleges, it won’t. Taking two AP sciences with labs is a good way to ensure you won’t get a great grade in some or all of your other classes. You will have a hard time finding anyone who will fault you for not taking two labs in a year.

Do four APs, but also bear in mind that maybe you don’t need to be an officer in three or more clubs. Maybe you can devote more time to a hobby or a job or working on your foreign languages. Top colleges would probably prefer to see dedication and involvment in a few things rather than many things. I personally don’t think it’s necessary to be an officer in every single club. Especially if the position really doesn’t involve any effort.

3

Four AP classes is fine for senior year - as long as they include a lab science (which you have covered) AND Calculus.

As @Lindagaf mentioned, maybe you don’t need to be the president of three clubs. A deeper involvement in one or two clubs is far preferable to a shallow involvement in many.