Ideal number of APs for college applications?

So, I'm a junior and stressing a bit about how many APs colleges expect me to take. What's a good number to aim for?

Hey there! It's completely understandable to be stressed about AP courses in junior year. However, there's no "magic number" of APs that colleges expect you to take. It can vary depending on numerous factors, such as the number of AP courses your school offers, your personal interests, and the types of colleges you're interested in applying to.

Instead of focusing on an exact number, prioritize taking AP courses that challenge you and align with your academic interests. It's important to maintain a strong GPA while participating in a rigorous course load. Generally, selective colleges want to see that you've taken advantage of the opportunities available to you at your school, while demonstrating intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge yourself.

A good starting point is to aim for the top 20-50% of AP courses offered in your school. For example, if your school offers 20 AP courses, consider taking at least 4-10 of them over the course of your high school career. That being said, don't sacrifice your mental well-being or extracurricular involvement for the sake of taking more AP classes. Quality over quantity is key here. Doing exceptionally well in a few AP courses is more favorable than spreading yourself too thin and not being able to perform at your best.

In summary, focus on challenging yourself with both a rigorous courseload and extracurricular involvement, while also considering your interests and the opportunities available at your school. And most importantly, don't forget to maintain a balanced life! Good luck with the rest of your junior year!