I'm planning on taking 7 AP classes throughout high school, but I'm concerned that this might not be enough in comparison to other applicants. What do you all think? Is 7 APs considered sufficient when applying to competitive colleges?
I understand your concern about staying competitive with other applicants. The number of AP courses you take isn't as important as the context of your high school and the rigor of your overall course load. Colleges will generally evaluate you in the context of the opportunities available to you at your high school. If your school offers a wide selection of AP classes and other students are taking many more, 7 APs might be considered below average. However, if your school only offers a limited number of AP courses, then 7 would be seen as impressive.
Rather than focusing on just the number, consider the breadth and depth of your course selection in relation to your academic interests and goals. If you're passionate about a specific subject area, prioritizing higher-level courses in that area would demonstrate a clear focus and commitment to your interest. For example, if you're aiming for a STEM major, it would be beneficial to take AP Calculus, AP Physics, or AP Chemistry to show your proficiency in that area.
Remember, colleges evaluate you holistically, considering not just your academic achievements but also your extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and essays. If you excel in other areas, a moderate number of AP courses may be sufficient. In the end, it's best to strike a balance between challenging yourself and maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.
Quality is always more important than quantity. It's better to take a few AP courses that you're genuinely interested in and can excel in, rather than loading up on APs that may lead to burnout or lower grades.
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