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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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Optimal number of AP exams for college admissions?

Hey everyone, I'm in my junior year and I've been thinking a lot about college applications. What's a good number of AP exams to aim for if I want to be competitive for top-tier colleges? Is there a sweet spot, or should I just take as many as I can handle?

a year ago

Hey there! It's great to see you're planning ahead for your college applications. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to the number of AP exams you should take, but there's certainly a range that can help position you competitively. For top-tier colleges, students often have around 5 to 8 AP exams under their belt, though this can vary based on availability and your interests. It’s not just about quantity, though; the rigor of your course load and how you perform is equally, if not more important.

It's about finding a balance that allows you to demonstrate your academic strengths without overexerting yourself. Remember, colleges will also consider the context of your high school's offerings—if your school offers 10 AP courses and you take 3, that's different from the situation if your school only offers 4 and you take 3. The key is to challenge yourself while maintaining strong grades and a balance with other extracurricular commitments.

a year ago

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