AP European History as a Sophomore: Wise choice?

I've got the option to take AP European History next year (as a sophomore), but I'm unsure if it's the right decision. Is the workload manageable for someone who isn't an upperclassman yet? Did any of you take it and regret it, or was it a valuable experience overall? Additionally, how do colleges view sophomore-year APs in the admissions process?

Taking AP European History as a sophomore can certainly be a valuable experience, and colleges tend to view sophomore-year AP courses favorably, as they indicate a willingness to challenge oneself early on in high school.

In terms of workload, every course will be slightly different depending on the teacher, but it's important to consider your personal strengths and interests. For example, if you enjoy history and are strong in reading and writing, you may find the course engaging and manageable. If you're more of a STEM person, on the other hand, this course may eat up a disproportionate amount of your time and energy, making it tough for you to succeed in your other classes, extracurriculars, etc. It could be helpful to talk to your teachers, or students who have previously taken the course at your school, to gauge the workload.

All in all, though, this sounds like it could be a great opportunity to dive deeply into European History, which is valuable independent of the college process, and as a bonus, succeeding in an AP course as a sophomore can absolutely demonstrate to colleges your academic initiative and ability to handle college-level coursework. Good luck with your decision!