Exactly How Many AP Classes Should You Take?

The college application timeline is approaching, and everyone seems to be stressed about taking the “right” number of AP classes. Take too few, and you might miss out on benefits. Take too many, and you risk burnout or sacrificing grades in other areas.

With all the pressure, it’s hard to know what’s truly best for you. This blog digs deep into the world of AP classes, helping you understand the ideal course load for your academic journey and college goals. We’ll explore factors to consider, suggested ranges based on college selectivity, and how to craft a balanced schedule that sets you up for success.!

Overview of the AP Courses

AP courses are programs designed to offer high school students the opportunity to study challenging college-level coursework. These classes dig deeper into a variety of subjects, ranging from literature and history to science and calculus. By enrolling in AP, you can get a head start on your college career while still in high school. Perhaps most importantly, you can earn college credit by performing well on the standardized AP exams given at the end of each course. These credits can help shorten the overall time it takes to complete a college degree, saving both time and money.

How Many AP Classes Should You Take?

A 2013 study by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill admissions office suggested aiming for “at least five college-level courses” in high school. However, keep in mind that, since then, acceptance rates have gotten lower, making competition stiffer.

The recommended number of AP courses you take depends on the colleges you’re targeting. Highly selective colleges often look for students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, and AP classes can be a way to show that. If you’re aiming for an Ivy League school, taking 3–5 AP classes a year might be a good target. Less selective schools might be impressed with 2–4 AP classes.

How Many AP Classes Should You Take for Top US Universities?

If you are eyeing Ivy League schools and the top 20 universities, you should aim to take 10–14 AP classes (3–4 per year) throughout high school. However, this is a general guideline, not a strict rule. If balancing this workload with mental health and extracurriculars seems overwhelming, focus on excelling in 7–8 AP classes. Strong grades in fewer classes are more impressive than mediocre grades in many.

Even if your AP exam scores aren’t stellar, taking the classes still shows a commitment to rigorous coursework. That said, strong scores can be a significant advantage, especially for highly competitive universities. If you score well, submit your results!

Recently, test-optional policies might seem to diminish the importance of standardized tests; however, that’s not entirely true. Last year, over 70% of STEM applicants submitted test scores in early application rounds. Admissions officers still value this data point, and a strong score can make you stand out. This is especially true if most applicants in your region are testing. You don’t want to be the outlier without a score. However, if widespread cancellations prevent your peers from testing, not submitting yours is perfectly acceptable. In that case, a strong test score (if you can safely take it) becomes an even bigger advantage.

Factors to Consider While Selecting AP Courses

Deciding on your AP course schedule requires careful consideration beyond just the number of classes. Here’s why:

• Time commitment outside of school: If you dedicate a significant amount of time to activities like playing an instrument at a competitive level, participating in national speech and debate competitions, or conducting college-level research, your schedule will need to accommodate those commitments. Balancing demanding activities with a heavy AP course load can be overwhelming.

• Prioritize interest and future goals: Focus on taking AP classes in subjects you’re genuinely interested in and might pursue in college. Don’t be swayed solely by the “AP” label. Choose classes that align with your academic passions and long-term goals.

• Grade level and experience: Consider your experience level before starting AP courses. Jumping into four AP classes as a sophomore with no prior experience isn’t wise. Learning effective exam strategies and managing a heavy workload takes time and practice. It’s challenging enough with even one or two exams, let alone several.

• Prerequisite considerations: Be mindful of prerequisite courses. Many subjects, like AP English or AP Calculus, require specific foundational courses typically taken in the junior or senior year. Additionally, science courses often have recommended sequences. Most high schools wouldn’t recommend taking an AP science course before sophomore year at the earliest, with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics typically building upon each other.

• Starting points for freshmen and sophomores: Due to these factors, many freshmen and sophomores often start with introductory AP courses like AP Human Geography or Psychology. These exams tend to be less demanding, and the prerequisite courses are more likely to have already been completed by younger students.

• Progressing through your high school years: If you perform well on your initial AP exams, you can gradually increase the number of courses you take in your junior and senior years. But remember to avoid overloading yourself.

Mistakes to Avoid While Selecting AP Courses

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your AP course load? It might be time to re-evaluate your schedule. Here are some signs you might have bitten off more than you can chew:

• Slipping grades in other classes: Are you finding it hard to keep up with the workload in your regular classes on top of your AP courses? This is a major indicator that you might be stretched too thin. Your overall academic performance is important, so don’t let AP classes drag down your grades in other subjects.

• Struggling to maintain extracurricular activities: AP classes are demanding, and if they’re causing you to neglect your passions or responsibilities in sports, clubs, or hobbies, it’s a sign you might need to adjust your course load.

While AP classes can be impressive, they aren’t the only factor because college admissions look at your application holistically. Additionally, don’t get caught up in peer pressure. Just because your friend took a bunch of AP exams doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. A strong overall GPA, good ACT or SAT scores, and a well-rounded list of activities are all important components for a successful application.

Before starting with your AP classes, have a backup plan. For example, if you decide to take AP Calculus BC but find it overwhelming, see if switching to AP Calculus AB is an option. Be prepared to adjust your schedule mid-year if necessary. Talk to your guidance counselor about the protocol for changing classes, as they can help you navigate adjustments smoothly.

Strategic AP Course Plan for High School Students

Figuring out how to integrate AP classes into your high school curriculum requires strategic planning. Here’s a suggested schedule for students aiming for a rigorous academic experience:

1. Freshman year

This is a great time to build a strong foundation for future AP success. Consider taking one or two introductory AP classes that leverage your middle school knowledge, such as Environmental Science, Human Geography, or Psychology. These courses are generally less demanding while still allowing you to experience the AP format.

In your core subjects like English, Math, Science, and History, opt for honors classes whenever possible. This early exposure to advanced material will equip you with the necessary skills to work on more challenging AP classes later on.

2. Sophomore year

As you gain confidence, gradually increase the number of AP classes you take, aiming for one to three in total. You can add a more rigorous option like World History or US History alongside one or two introductory courses from your freshman year. Remember to maintain a strong foundation in your core subjects by continuing with honors classes whenever available.

3. Junior year

By this point, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your academic strengths and weaknesses based on your experience in freshman and sophomore-year AP classes. This is the prime time to study core AP subjects like English Literature, Calculus, or Biology. Take as many as you can comfortably manage while ensuring you have sufficient time dedicated to studying for standardized tests like the ACT or SAT.

The ideal number of AP classes will vary depending on your college aspirations. Ivy League hopefuls might target 3 to 5 APs, while students aiming for less-selective schools could excel with 2 to 4.

4. Senior year

Continue taking AP classes in both core subjects and electives, but prioritize maintaining a manageable workload to leave ample time for crafting strong college applications. While some applicants to highly selective schools might have as many as 5 or 6 APs in their senior year, remember to prioritize your own well-being and application deadlines.

Adding an extra AP class at this stage will likely have a minimal impact on your college acceptance chances, but neglecting applications due to time constraints could significantly hinder your admissions process.

From the Desk of Yocket

A good starting point is to consider your college aspirations. Highly selective colleges tend to favor applicants who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, and taking a healthy amount of AP classes (throughout your high school career, not just crammed into your senior year) can demonstrate this.

However, don’t prioritize quantity over quality. Aim for a balance that allows you to excel in both AP and non-AP subjects. Doing well in a few AP classes that align with your interests and strengths is more impressive than struggling through a heavy load. Focus on taking on what you can manage while maintaining strong grades in all your classes. After all, well-roundedness is also important to colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many AP classes should I take per year?

It depends on your experience and goals. Freshmen and sophomores can take 0–3 APs. Juniors can take 2–4, focusing on core subjects. Seniors can take 3–4 while managing college applications.

How many AP classes should I take in total?

Throughout high school, you should aim for 5–8 AP classes, but prioritize quality over quantity. Your focus should be on doing well in the classes you choose. Highly selective colleges might expect 10–14 APs, but prioritize a balanced schedule that avoids burnout.

When should I start taking AP classes?

Freshmen and sophomores can explore honors courses. Juniors typically take their first core APs (English, Calculus, and Biology). Seniors can take more APs while balancing college applications.