AP courses can boost your GPA, save college tuition, and impress admissions officers—but taking too many can tank your grades, destroy your mental health, and ruin your high school experience. Here's how to strategically select APs without burning out.
Understanding AP Courses
What they are: College-level courses taught in high school, with standardized exams in May.
Scoring: 1-5 scale
- 5: Extremely well qualified
- 4: Well qualified
- 3: Qualified
- 2: Possibly qualified
- 1: No recommendation
College credit: Most colleges give credit for 4s and 5s (some only 5s). This can:
- Skip intro courses
- Graduate early
- Save $1,000+ per course
Types of APs: 38 courses across 7 categories (Arts, English, History/Social Sciences, Math, Sciences, World Languages, AP Capstone).
Why Take AP Courses?
1. College Admissions
What colleges look for: Rigor of coursework.
Taking APs (especially in core subjects) shows you challenged yourself.
But: Quality > Quantity. A few APs with high grades >> many APs with mediocre grades.
2. College Credit
Benefit: Skip intro courses, save money, graduate early (or double major).
Reality check: Not all colleges accept all APs. Elite colleges (Ivy League) often limit credit.
Example: State university might accept 10 AP credits. Harvard might accept 2.
Research: Check AP credit policies at schools you're interested in.
3. Skill Development
Genuine benefit: APs teach college-level thinking, writing, and time management.
You'll enter college better prepared than peers who didn't take APs.
The Dark Side: How APs Can Backfire
Pitfall #1: GPA Tank
Problem: Too many APs → overwhelming workload → poor grades.
Reality: B in AP class may look worse than A in regular class on transcript.
Weighted GPA: APs give GPA boost (5.0 scale instead of 4.0), but only if you get A/B.
C in AP class = 3.0 weighted, same as C in regular class.
Pitfall #2: Burnout
Problem: 5+ APs + extracurriculars + job = no sleep, high stress, mental health crisis.
Statistics: 45% of high school students report chronic stress from academics.
Reality: Colleges want well-rounded humans, not sleep-deprived zombies.
Pitfall #3: Superficial Learning
Problem: Taking APs just to check a box → cram for exam, forget everything.
Missed opportunity: APs should deepen understanding, not just add resume lines.
Pitfall #4: Opportunity Cost
Problem: Time spent on 6 APs = less time for passions, hobbies, relationships, exploration.
Question to ask: Is taking AP Human Geography more valuable than starting a business, learning guitar, or deepening a real interest?
The Strategic Approach: How Many APs Should You Take?
The honest answer: It depends on your goals, school, and capacity.
General Guidelines by Year
Freshman Year: 0-1 AP
- Goal: Adjust to high school
- Best choice: AP Human Geography or AP Psychology (easier APs)
- Alternative: Focus on honors classes
Sophomore Year: 1-3 APs
- Goal: Build rigor gradually
- Good choices: AP World History, AP European History, AP Biology, AP Chemistry (if ready)
- Avoid: Taking APs in subjects you're weak in
Junior Year: 3-5 APs
- Goal: Peak rigor year (most important for college apps)
- Core subjects: AP English Lang, APUSH, AP Calc or AP Stats, AP Science
- Electives: AP Psych, AP Econ, AP Comp Sci (if interested)
Senior Year: 2-5 APs
- Goal: Maintain rigor, but also enjoy senior year
- Good choices: AP English Lit, AP Calc BC, AP Gov, AP subject of interest
- Note: Senioritis is real. Don't overcommit.
By Student Profile
Top-tier college applicants (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT):
- Total: 8-12 APs over 4 years
- Junior year: 4-5 APs
- Focus: Core subjects (Math, Science, English, History) + 1-2 electives
Competitive college applicants (UC, top state schools, competitive private schools):
- Total: 5-8 APs over 4 years
- Junior year: 3-4 APs
- Focus: Core subjects + 1 elective of interest
General college applicants (most state schools, good private schools):
- Total: 3-5 APs over 4 years
- Junior year: 2-3 APs
- Focus: 1-2 core subjects + 1 elective
Students focusing on specialized talent (recruited athletes, artists, musicians):
- Total: 2-4 APs over 4 years
- Focus: Maintain academic credibility while excelling in your specialty
Quality Over Quantity
Admissions perspective:
- 4 APs with all As and 5s on exams >> 8 APs with Bs and 3s
- Depth in subjects related to intended major >> breadth with no focus
Example:
- Student A: 10 APs, mostly 3s and 4s, GPA 3.7
- Student B: 6 APs, all 5s, GPA 4.0
- Student B looks stronger.
Which APs to Take (Subject by Subject)
Easiest APs (Good for Testing the Waters)
AP Psychology:
- Memorization-heavy, minimal math
- Interesting content
- High pass rate (~70%)
AP Human Geography:
- Concepts over facts
- Good intro to AP rigor
- Often taken freshman year
AP Environmental Science:
- Less intense than AP Bio/Chem/Physics
- Mix of science and policy
AP Statistics:
- Easier than Calculus
- Practical (used in many fields)
- Less abstract than pure math
Medium Difficulty APs
AP US History (APUSH):
- Heavy reading and writing
- Rewarding if you like history
- Pass rate ~50%
AP English Language:
- Teaches argumentation and rhetoric
- Less literature analysis than AP Lit
- Useful for all majors
AP Biology:
- Memorization + application
- Lab component
- Manageable if you like science
AP Macroeconomics / Microeconomics:
- Half-year courses (can take both)
- Logical and applicable
- Good for business/econ interests
Hard APs (High Reward, High Effort)
AP Calculus BC:
- Covers Calc I and II
- Essential for STEM majors
- Pass rate ~80%, but demanding
AP Chemistry:
- Conceptual + computational
- Heavy problem-solving
- Foundation for pre-med, engineering
AP Physics C (Mechanics & E&M):
- Calculus-based physics
- Very challenging
- Best for engineering/physics track
AP English Literature:
- Intense literary analysis
- Heavy reading and writing
- Subjective grading
AP US Government / Comparative Government:
- Dense material
- Requires critical thinking
- Often taken senior year
APs to Avoid Unless Truly Interested
AP Art History:
- Massive amount of memorization (250+ works of art)
- Only take if passionate about art
AP Latin / AP Chinese / AP Foreign Languages:
- Requires fluency-level mastery
- Only take if you're advanced in the language
AP Music Theory:
- Very specialized
- Only for serious musicians
How to Choose Your APs: Decision Framework
Step 1: Identify Required APs
Some high schools or college tracks require certain APs.
Example: IB or college-prep tracks might require APUSH or AP English Lang.
Check: Your school's graduation requirements and college track expectations.
Step 2: Match to Intended Major
STEM majors (Engineering, CS, Pre-Med):
- Priority: AP Calc BC, AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, AP Biology
- Secondary: AP Stats, AP Computer Science
Humanities/Social Sciences (English, History, Pol Sci):
- Priority: AP English Lang/Lit, APUSH, AP World History
- Secondary: AP Psychology, AP Econ, AP Gov
Business/Economics:
- Priority: AP Calc AB/BC, AP Micro/Macro Econ, AP Stats
- Secondary: AP Gov, AP Comp Sci
Undecided:
- Take balanced core APs (1 math, 1 science, 1 English, 1 history)
Step 3: Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Play to strengths:
- Love reading → AP English, AP History
- Strong in math → AP Calc, AP Stats, AP Physics
- Enjoy memorization → AP Biology, AP Psychology
Avoid stacking weaknesses:
- Struggle with math? Don't take AP Calc + AP Physics C + AP Chem in same year.
- Slow reader? Spread out reading-heavy APs (APUSH, AP Lit, AP World).
Step 4: Check Workload Balance
Red flag combinations (too intense):
- AP Calc BC + AP Physics C + AP Chemistry (3 heavy STEM)
- APUSH + AP English Lang + AP World History (3 reading-heavy)
Balanced combinations:
- APUSH + AP Calc AB + AP Biology + AP English Lang (spread across subjects)
- AP Chem + AP English Lit + AP Psych + AP Econ (mix of hard and moderate)
Step 5: Consider Teacher Quality
Reality: Same AP, different teacher = vastly different experience.
Do your research:
- Ask older students: "Is [Teacher] good? Do students pass the exam?"
- Check pass rates: Does this teacher's class have 80% pass rate or 30%?
Good teacher in hard AP >> Bad teacher in easy AP.Step 6: Factor in Extracurriculars
If you're heavily involved (varsity sports captain, lead in musical, part-time job):
- Reduce AP load
- Focus on 2-3 core APs
If you have light extracurricular load:
Balance is key: Colleges want depth in activities, not just AP overload.
How to Succeed in APs
1. Treat It Like a College Course
Reality check: APs are harder than regular high school classes.
Study habits:
- Don't cram; study consistently
- Take detailed notes
- Do ALL practice problems
2. Use AP Prep Books
Start in spring (March-April):
- Barron's (comprehensive, harder than exam—good for over-prep)
- Princeton Review (balanced, good practice exams)
- 5 Steps to a 5 (structured study plans)
Practice exams: Take 2-3 full-length practice exams before the real one.
3. Form Study Groups
Why it works: Teaching others reinforces your understanding.
How: Meet weekly, quiz each other, work through practice problems together.
4. Seek Help Early
Don't wait until you're failing.
- Ask teacher for help (office hours, after school)
- Get a tutor if needed
- Use free resources (Khan Academy, YouTube)
5. Manage Your Time
Typical AP homework load: 1-2 hours per AP per week (some weeks more).
With 5 APs: 5-10 hours of homework per week, PLUS studying for exams.
Use a planner: Block time for each class, avoid last-minute cramming.
What If You're Struggling?
Option 1: Drop to Honors/Regular
It's okay to drop an AP if:
- You're getting a D or F
- You're sacrificing mental health
- You're neglecting other important classes or activities
Colleges would rather see: B in honors class than D in AP.
When to drop: First semester, before it's on transcript (check school policy).
Option 2: Don't Take the Exam
You can take the AP class but not the exam.
Reasons:
- Class is manageable, but you're not ready for exam
- College you're attending doesn't give credit anyway
Downside: You miss potential college credit. But if you'd score a 1 or 2, it doesn't matter.
Option 3: Focus on the Class Grade, Not the Exam
Reality: Colleges see your grade in the class, not your AP score (you report scores after admission).
Strategy: Prioritize getting an A in the class. Exam score is secondary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Taking APs Just Because Friends Are
Problem: Your friend can handle 6 APs. You can't.
Fix: Make decisions based on YOUR capacity and goals.
Mistake #2: Assuming More APs = Better Chances
Truth: 8 APs with mediocre grades < 4 APs with excellent grades.
Fix: Focus on depth and mastery, not quantity.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Self-Care
Problem: Sacrificing sleep, health, social life for APs.
Fix: If you're chronically stressed, re-evaluate your course load. Your well-being matters more than one extra AP.
Mistake #4: Not Planning Ahead
Problem: Randomly picking APs each year without a 4-year strategy.
Fix: Map out your 4-year plan freshman year. Adjust as needed.
Final Checklist: Before You Sign Up for an AP
✅ Do I have genuine interest in this subject?
✅ Am I strong in this area, or willing to work hard?
✅ Does this AP align with my intended major or goals?
✅ Can I handle the workload alongside my other commitments?
✅ Is the teacher known for helping students succeed?
✅ Will this AP add value, or am I just padding my resume?
If you answered no to most of these, reconsider.
Final Thoughts
APs are tools, not trophies. Use them strategically to:
- Challenge yourself intellectually
- Prepare for college
- Save time and money
But remember: Your worth isn't measured by the number of APs you take.
Colleges want students who:
- Challenge themselves appropriately
- Excel in their coursework
- Pursue genuine interests
- Maintain balance and well-being
Your challenge: Choose APs that align with your goals, play to your strengths, and leave room for life outside academics. 🎯
