Which AP courses are most valued by colleges?

Hey, I'm a junior trying to plan my senior year schedule. I am curious as to which AP classes are most looked upon favorably by colleges. Is there a consensus on which ones are the most respected or beneficial to take?

Colleges generally don't have a preference for specific AP classes over others. What they primarily look for is the level of rigor in your course load compared to what's offered at your school. In other words, they want to see that you are challenging yourself.

However, it is often recommended to take AP classes that align with your intended major or area of interest, as it demonstrates your commitment and preparation in that specific field. If you're leaning towards a STEM field, for instance, AP courses like Calculus BC, Physics C, or Chemistry might be considered more challenging and relevant. If you're interested in humanities, taking AP Literature, AP U.S. History, or AP Government could be viewed favorably.

Moreover, remember that the aim is to perform well in these classes, not just to take as many APs as possible. Colleges prefer to see a balance of rigorous classes where you earn good grades rather than stocking up on APs and earning low grades.

Also, keep in mind that the most challenging classes are typically those relevant to your interests and potential major. So, if you're passionate about biology, but find world history tedious, you'll likely find AP Biology less challenging than AP World History, simply due to your interest level and inherent aptitudes.

Overall, your choice of AP classes should ideally reflect a balance between your interests, academic strengths, and overall course rigor.