How many AP classes should I take?

Aim for four to eight AP exams in your junior and senior years. For competitive Ivy League schools, admission officers also want to see AP courses for core subject areas and additional courses. If possible, aim to pass about seven to 12 AP exams if applying to these highly selective schools.


Is 4 AP classes too much?

Unless you're applying to the most selective universities, 4 to 5 AP courses over your high school years is more than enough. For students applying to the most selective colleges, you might need 7–12. But even so, taking 4 AP courses in a year can be extremely challenging.

How many AP classes do most students take?

To be competitive at some of the most highly selective colleges in the country, 8-12 AP courses may be the sweet spot amount, assuming the student can handle that level of rigor.


Is 3 AP classes a year enough?

An Ivy League hopeful might take 3 to 5(!) AP classes, while if you're aiming for less-selective schools, 2 or 3 would be enough. (This truly is the most important year to take the most rigorous classes that you can AND do well in them!!)

How many AP does the average student take?

The Key Number

If that answer isn't fully satisfying, here is a look at the average number of APs students tend to take over the course of their high school years, broken down by college selectivity: Selective schools: around 7–12 APs. Semi-selective schools: 4–8 APs. Less selective schools: 1–5 APs.


#Transizion How Many AP Classes Should I Take: The Best Video Guide



What are the top 3 hardest AP classes?

Top 10 Hardest AP Classes by Exam Pass Rate
  • Physics 1. 51.6% 8.8%
  • Environmental Science. 53.4% 11.9%
  • Chemistry. 56.1% 10.6%
  • U.S. Government and Politics. 57.5% 15.5%
  • U.S. History. 58.7% 13.0%
  • Human Geography. 59.0% 11.8%
  • European History. 59.3% 13.7%
  • Statistics. 60.0% 16.2%


Do colleges prefer AP or honors?

Colleges like them both. Both honors and AP courses are rigorous courses that most high schools weight more heavily on your transcript. AP courses, however, culminate in the AP Exam. Good AP scores show colleges you are ready to succeed at college-level work and can even earn you college credits.

Can I get into Harvard with 3 AP classes?

Does Harvard Accept AP Credit. Harvard does accept AP Credit for classes in which a student earned a 5 on the AP Exam. These credits are accepted under a program called “Advanced Standing.” To qualify, students must earn a 5 on a minimum of 4 AP tests, transferring a total of 32 credits.


How many AP classes should an 11th grader take?

Take as many as you can handle without spreading yourself thin, and make sure you will have time to study for the ACT or SAT this year. An Ivy League hopeful might take 3 to 5 AP classes, while if you're aiming for less-selective schools, 2 to 4 would be enough.

How much does 3 AP classes boost your GPA?

While honors courses usually add 0.5 points to your GPA, AP classes often add 1 point. In other words, a 3.5 GPA would be boosted to a 4.0 in an honors class and a 4.5 in an AP class.

What is the easiest AP class?

Top 10 Easiest AP Classes by Exam Pass Rate
  • Physics C: Mechanics. 84.3% 41.6%
  • Calculus BC. 81.6% 44.6%
  • Spanish Literature. 75.1% 17.6%
  • Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. 74.4% 40.4%
  • Physics 2. 73.3% 14.0%
  • Computer Science Principles. 71.6% 10.9%
  • Psychology. 71.3% 22.4%
  • Computer Science A. 70.4% 25.6%


Is 20 AP classes a lot?

7 Honors per 1 AP in terms of rigor which means you roughly have 20 APs which is a really really good. Having 20 APs and a near 4.0gpa at all non ivy+ schools (ivies Stanford rice WashU duke etc) you are highly likely to be top25%. At ivies however you likely have an average GPA but have a higher end rigor.

Is 4 AP classes too much senior year?

Aim for four to eight AP exams in your junior and senior years. For competitive Ivy League schools, admission officers also want to see AP courses for core subject areas and additional courses. If possible, aim to pass about seven to 12 AP exams if applying to these highly selective schools.

Is 14 AP classes a lot?

For students aiming for the Ivy League and Top 20 schools in the United States, a good target is to take (and pass) 10-14 AP classes throughout your high school career — or 3-4 each year.


Is 5 AP classes too much junior year?

Junior Year

Depending on what kind of school you want to go to, you should be taking between 3 and 5 AP® classes this year. You will need to manage your time well, however, as you also need to study for the SAT® or ACT® during this time.

How many AP classes should a freshman take?

Freshmen usually take 0-2 APs in areas such as Human Geography, Environmental Science, or Computer Science Principles. Sophomores usually take 1-3 APs in areas such as Psychology, World History, European History, Art History, or Economics.

What GPA is an A in an AP class?

Many schools treat AP classes differently when calculating a student's grade point average (GPA). Rather than the traditional 4.0 scale, AP classes are weighted on a 5.0 scale — in an AP class, an A is equivalent to 5.0 instead of 4.0, and a B is equal to 4.0 instead of 3.0.


What is the most useful AP class?

2. The Best AP Classes Are Ones You Can Do Well In
  • AP Latin.
  • Microeconomics.
  • AP Computer Science A.
  • AP Psychology.
  • Comparative Government.
  • Art History.
  • AP Biology.
  • AP Statistics.


Is 3 AP classes enough sophomore year?

I recommend taking only 2 APs sophomore year, 4-5 Junior year, and 3 to 4 Senior year. That puts you in the 9-11 range which more than enough. Also keep in mind that if you apply to Brown with 12 APs, you've wasted your time since they give you ZERO AP credit.

How many AP classes should a sophomore take?

Instead, students typically start by taking 1-3 AP classes during their sophomore year, beginning with some of the less demanding courses. They may then pick up the pace during their junior year, enrolling in more challenging options. These courses can enhance your transcript and boost your GPA.


Does Yale accept 4 on AP?

Yale awards acceleration credit to students for scores of 4 or 5 on some AP exams. Acceleration credit may offer some students the option to graduate in fewer than eight terms, but only after completing specific courses in specific departments.

How many AP classes do you need to go to Harvard?

Freshmen who have taken College Board Advanced Placement exams need a total of four full credits to be eligible for Advanced Standing. Credits are earned by scoring 5 on a minimum of four AP tests.

What happens if I don't take any AP classes?

AP classes show colleges that you are challenging yourself, and can handle the academic rigor of a college-level course. ‍Schools are aware of the amount of AP courses that are offered at your school and what level courses you take through your transcript. There isn't any harm if you don't take any AP classes.


Do colleges look at 10th grade?

Colleges will look at your sophomore grades, whether it's to see if you maintained an acceptable GPA or improved from the year before. Getting a headstart with strong grades and challenging school work alongside extracurricular activities can make all the difference when you reach your senior year.

Do colleges care a lot about AP classes?

Students looking to earn admission to highly selective colleges should take multiple AP classes to bolster their applications and demonstrate they can handle challenging coursework. Some college admissions experts recommend taking as many as 7-12 AP courses before applying to the most elite universities.