Hi @Ccsm.x,
Thanks for your question. Taking 6 APs might be perfect because you already have taken 6 APs before and got all As and 4s and 5s on your AP tests. Or it might be getting over your skis as the expression goes.
I think it depends on what your track record is thus far. If you already have say 6-10 Aps, then, there really is no need to show 12-16s on your course rigor unless you are bored and a naturally gifted student who needs this sort of challenge. Even if you are applying to Ivys and Elites, my take is that 9-11 total APs is really the sweet spot.
I would listen to my gut on this because senior year is far more complicated than 11th grade. In general, high achieving students are doing the following senior year:
1. Grinding on their college applications which can include but are not limited to the following:
-Test prepping for 1 last attempt at the SAT or ACT. Making sure all the colleges get the right test reports and paying for them.
-Curating the very best recommendations from teachers and counselors. Often this is not a simple request but requires a resume submission or a cheat sheet to help the recommender jog their memory as to who you are and what your strengths are.
-Writing and editing the very best main essay and supplemental essays. Sometimes this requires 5-10 re-writes and major edits per essay
-Preparing for your in-person college interview and attending college info Zoom calls.
-Working on your 2-minute video introduction if the colleges want that.
-Putting together your SlideRoom optional portfolio for writing, artwork, or videos if the college allows that. This might include a graded paper as well.
-Honing your extracurricular activities so they are the best they can be. Perhaps more leadership roles, community service, or spike activities.
-Filling out your college applications whether it's the Common App, Coalition App, or proprietary app.
2. Participating in all Senior Class venues which might be Dances, Prom, Ditch Day, Awards ceremonies, etc.
3. Working on all your financial aid documents which typically include the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
4. Trying to keep both your UWGPA and WGPA up as high as possible or at least as stable as possible.
5. Preparing for taking all the add'l AP Tests in the Spring when you least want to study on such things.
6. Applying for various scholarships which typically entail a 5-10 page application, some requiring recommendations as well. The big ones like Coca-Cola, Jack Kent Cooke, Horatio Alger, Gates, Elks, Cameron Impact, etc. are conducted in rounds so you have to keep submitting more and more stuff.
7. Last but not least, visiting the college campus for tours and information sessions, is especially more important where demonstrated interest is tracked by the college.
This is why I personally do not recommend anyone take 6 APs during senior year. When you start the senior year all of a sudden you have many tasks and responsibilities that go beyond attending class and getting good grades. Only the very best students who already have the very best prior track record can thrive in the chaotic senior year and still get all As in all 6 APs and get top AP Test Scores.
Good luck.
FAQs
College counselors recommend that students strive to take 5-8 AP classes throughout their high school career, especially if they are interested in attending a highly-selective institution such as an Ivy League college. That said, you shouldn't feel pressured to take more AP classes than you can comfortably manage.
Is 6 AP classes enough for Ivy League? ›
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.
How many AP classes is reasonable? ›
This is when you should start taking your AP core classes. Take three to five if you are aiming for a highly selective school, and two to four if you are aiming elsewhere. Note that many students describe this year as significantly harder than past ones. And you'll also likely be taking your standardized tests.
Is taking 7 AP classes too much? ›
To be a competitive candidate for admission, you will need to take at least 8 AP® classes, more if you can. It is a good idea to take 1 AP® course in each of the following core disciplines: English, Foreign Language, History, Math, and Science to impress the admissions officers.
Is 7 AP classes enough for college? ›
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.
Is 7 AP classes enough for Harvard? ›
Going up the selectivity chain, the average at Harvard is eight AP classes. 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.
How many APs does mit want? ›
There is no minimum or recommended number of AP courses.
Is 6 AP classes enough for college? ›
College counselors recommend that students strive to take 5-8 AP classes throughout their high school career, especially if they are interested in attending a highly-selective institution such as an Ivy League college. That said, you shouldn't feel pressured to take more AP classes than you can comfortably manage.
Is 4 APs too much junior 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. Senior Year: Take more APs in core subjects and additional subjects, again being careful not to overburden your schedule and to leave time for college applications.
What is an impressive amount of AP classes? ›
People that go to less selective Universities rarely take any AP classes. People that go to an average University take like 2–3 AP classes. People that go to a bit selective Unuversities take like 4–7 AP classes. People that go to Top Universities like Harvard or Yale take like 8–10 AP classes.
Taking 6 APs might be perfect because you already have taken 6 APs before and got all As and 4s and 5s on your AP tests. Or it might be getting over your skis as the expression goes.
Is 7 AP classes enough for Ivy League? ›
Most students who attend extremely selective schools have taken anywhere from 7 to 12 AP courses in high school, although there are exceptions to this rule. If a high school offers only a limited number of AP courses or none at all, colleges will not fault students for taking fewer of these classes.
Is 5 AP classes too much junior year? ›
Applicants aiming for highly selective colleges usually take 5-6 AP classes this year, but keep your limits and schedule in mind. At this point, adding one more AP class might not have a huge impact on your college chances, but it could reduce the time spent on applications to a great extent.
Is 6 APs too little? ›
Students applying to less selective schools or state schools are recommended to take 1-5 APs, so if that is your bracket then you shouldn't need to worry too much. For honour programs, scholarships, or more selective schools, you might need to ensure your application stands out in other areas like sports.
What is the hardest AP class? ›
United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests. These classes have large curriculums, tough tests, and conceptually difficult material.
How many AP classes do you need to get into Ivy League? ›
How Many AP Classes to Take for Ivy Leagues and Other Top Schools in the US. 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 6 AP classes good enough? ›
College counselors recommend that students strive to take 5-8 AP classes throughout their high school career, especially if they are interested in attending a highly-selective institution such as an Ivy League college. That said, you shouldn't feel pressured to take more AP classes than you can comfortably manage.
How many AP classes do you need to get into Yale? ›
Yale does not require students to take AP courses to get accepted by the school.
Can I get into an Ivy League with 5 AP classes? ›
To get into Ivy League Colleges
You must enroll in at least 8 AP courses, and more if possible, to get into Ivy League Colleges. To convince the admissions officials, taking one AP course in each core subject, such as English, Foreign Language, History, Maths, and Science, is an excellent idea.
