<p>as it stands, i will graduate having taken 7 APs. is that a legitimate number for top-teir schools? also, the low number of APs has some extenuating circumstances associated with it: almost all AP classes my school offers are offered in the same period. in some class periods, for instance, i was forced to chose one of four APs i haven't taken while in other periods there were no APs offered. as a result, i will most likely take only 3 APs senior year. would it be worth it/necessary to write a letter explaining this to colleges? i really don't want to because it would seem like making an excuse to me, and i don't do that. anybody have ideas?</p>
<p>Generally, if you have taken the most academically challenging schedule possible at your school, colleges will not have a problem with it. Your school probably has a fact sheet that tells the school avg AP numbers, etc. If you feel you MUST write a letter to colleges of your situation, by all means do. However, it doesn't seem necessary.</p>
<p>When I applied to colleges, a lot of them asked for a note from my guidance counselor. I asked her to mention in her note that the reason I didn't take the most rigorous classes senior year was because they wouldn't fit in my schedule, not because I didn't choose to take them. I don't think it's necessary to write a letter, either have your guidance counselor write a note or you can always mention it in your interview. Usually they ask at the end if there's anything additional that you want to tell them about yourself. </p>
<p>Also, I think 7 APs is a very good number, and not something requiring a letter.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Er, 7 APs isn't low. And you shouldn't "count" APs for the top schools. You're fine.</p>
<p>thanks a bunch, and yeah, i have taken the hardest schedule.</p>