AP Course Strategy: How Many Should You Take?
When high school students start planning their schedules for the upcoming year, one question frequently arises: How many AP classes should I take?There are several reasons why students choose to enroll in AP courses. Perhaps the regular coursework doesn’t feel challenging enough, or they’re aiming to earn college credit through high AP exam scores. Some students may want to strengthen their transcripts when applying to competitive colleges by showing a rigorous academic program. Sometimes, all of these reasons apply!While these are all valid motivations to pursue advanced courses, they don’t provide a clear answer to the key question: How many AP classes is the right number? Do colleges expect a certain amount? Is the number of AP classes more important than the grades you earn in them? Should you load your schedule with AP courses?As with most questions about college planning, the answer is, “It depends!” There isn’t a specific “magic number” of AP courses that works for everyone because each student’s situation and future goals are unique.In this post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when deciding the right number of AP classes for your personal goals.Note: Although this article focuses on AP courses, you can apply the same reasoning to other advanced programs like Honors, IB, or Dual Enrollment, depending on what your school offers.
1. How Many AP Classes Are Available at Your School?To begin, take a look at the AP courses offered at your high school. Not every school has the same selection, so knowing what’s available to you is crucial.Some schools offer a broad array of AP subjects, while others may have fewer options. In some cases, less commonly offered AP courses might not be available every year, which means you’ll need to plan ahead if there’s a specific course you want to take. What can you realistically enroll in?Remember, college admissions officers evaluate your application in the context of what’s available at your school. They will see which AP courses were accessible to you and assess how you challenged yourself within that framework. Don’t worry if a friend at a different high school has a different set of AP options—focus on what works for you.Understand your school’s offerings, then create an academic plan that aligns with both your goals and the resources available.
2. Can You Maintain Strong Grades?After understanding what AP courses your school provides, the next step is considering your academic goals.Are you looking to push yourself in specific areas or dig deeper into your favorite subjects? Or do you want to show that you’re prepared for college-level work in a variety of disciplines, especially for selective schools?Once you’ve answered these questions, you can better decide whether to take a few AP classes in your strongest subjects or to challenge yourself with more.However, keep in mind that AP courses are rigorous! These are college-level classes that demand more time and effort than standard courses. Ask yourself:
- Can I realistically earn strong grades (A or B) in all of these classes?
- Can I sustain this level of difficulty for the rest of high school?
- Will I be able to manage these courses while balancing extracurriculars, personal time, and sleep?
It’s important to challenge yourself, but be careful not to overload your schedule to the point where your grades suffer or you risk burnout.
3. What Do Your Target Colleges Consider Competitive?The number of AP courses you should aim to take may also depend on the colleges you’re interested in applying to. Selective schools often expect applicants to take a challenging curriculum, including AP classes if available at your high school.That said, what counts as “competitive” can vary between colleges. One school might view three to five AP courses as rigorous, while another could expect more.Some colleges provide this information directly. For example, the University of Georgia shares admissions statistics on its blog (for the class of 2023, students averaged between 8-13 AP classes). Other schools might include similar details in admissions profiles or on their websites. It’s a good idea to research the expectations of your target schools early to help guide your academic planning.
4. What’s Your Intended Major?Your potential college major can also play a role in determining how many AP courses to take. If you’re leaning toward a specific field, taking AP courses related to that area can bolster your college application and prepare you for college-level coursework. For instance, students interested in engineering might want to prioritize AP Calculus and AP Physics, while those interested in political science could benefit from AP courses in history, government, or economics.By aligning your AP course load with your major or career interests, you not only show colleges your dedication but also give yourself a solid foundation for your future studies.
In the end, the answer to how many AP classes you should take is personal and varies for each student. There’s no universal "magic number" that guarantees success. Your plan should be based on what your school offers, your academic strengths, the expectations of your target colleges, and your future goals.Striking a balance between challenging yourself and managing your workload is key. Remember, the goal is not only to impress college admissions officers but also to prepare for the demands of college academics. Thoughtfully considering these factors will help you make the right decisions for your academic journey!