APUSH or not

I understand exactly how you feel because I also come from a very competitive school and live in a huge city. However, I would advise you to take care of your wellbeing. Yes, hypothetically APUSH would look really good and help you stand out, but would you be able to balance it with your other APs? I'm currently in my junior year, and I'm taking 3 AP courses (AP Precal, APES, and AP Lang) along with a college class outside (1st semester was sociology, this semester is research writing). What I have learned as although these classes give me a leg up in college applications and help me stand out, it's too hard to balance out. I'm also not the best at math, and because of my other classes I'm taking it's been too hard to maintain good studying habits, and I've had a C in the class all year. My grades have not been as good as when I took less APs just because I can't manage it all. I would say if you're someone who is really good at studying, is quick at learning, and can manage your time well, go for it. But if you aren't, don't stress yourself out like that. I wish I could go back in time and take less APs for that reason. Ultimately, it depends on what college you're interested in. The most competitive college I'm applying for is Baylor, and I'm already in their early college program so academically I'm probably okay with getting in. I would make sure you leave enough room for extracurriculars as well, because with my homework, practicing my instrument and sports, it was hard to include any volunteer work outside of all of that. If you wanted to, you could take an on level US history course over the summer and self study for the AP exam to earn extra credit. I took dual credit US history because I didn't want to take APUSH, and depending on the professor it can be easier or harder. I think if you included another class like you mentioned, as long as it has a good amount of rigor, you should be okay.

if ur school offers dual credit/enrollment classes, u should do dual credit US History, because, as far as I know, it covers 2 college semesters worth of history credits, which will keep you ahead. And I found it not terrible; I took it as a freshman and passed with a B+ so as a junior I think it would be much easier.

First of all, colleges don't just use your school. They use your demographic, so state, financial, race (though this is pretty debatable on legality), and school type. Next, it depends on the prestige and style of the college but they will likely care more about your ECs than your courses. Just having a few shows that you're willing to take harder classes/courses.

You know yourself better than anyone but sometimes you underestimate yourself. Have history classes been hard for you in the past? If so, I wouldn't push yourself especially if you believe it will end up affecting your other courses. Instead of APs, maybe you could dual enrollment? With your ECs, I would recommend doing something in regard to your degree (if you know what you're going to do) or something adjacent to it. Since your school is so competitive, find something unique or so niche it's unlikely that anyone else can replicate it.

Hope this helps!