Hey all, I'm currently a freshman and will be choosing my classes for sophomore year soon. I'm a little bit stressed about how many AP classes I should be taking next year to be on track for college applications. What do you guys think is a good amount? Any perspective on this would be super helpful! Thanks :)
Hello! I understand the pressure to load up on AP classes, especially with college applications in mind. However, it's important to find a balance. A 'good' number of AP classes is subjective and should be based on your own capacity to succeed without compromising your well-being. As a sophomore, typically students take 1-3 AP classes, aiming to increase difficulty gradually each year.
Keep in mind that colleges will consider the context of your school’s offerings, your interests, and whether you are challenging yourself appropriately. For example, if you have a strong interest and aptitude in science, taking AP Biology might be a good choice. But if history is more your speed, then AP World History could be a better fit.
Think about your long-term academic plan, and try to build toward a schedule that will show an upward trajectory in rigor throughout your high school career. Always remember that it is the quality of your engagement in these courses, not just the quantity, that matters most. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.