<p>I go to a competitive public school that offers a lot of APs. Every other year, my schedule has been more rigorous than everyone else, but this year I opted for a less competitive schedule (still 4 APs, but Calc AB instead of BC, onlevel USH instead of APUSH, and yearbook prevents me from having a 5th AP). It’s not that I don’t like a challenge, but I also like having a high GPA. I’m already very busy with ECs and competitions this year, and I really don’t want to have to drop any clubs. Many in the top 5% are taking 4 exams next year, one taking 5, and another taking 6 (2 one-semester APs). Although my schedule isn’t persay the most rigorous offered, I am planning on self-studying 2 APs that interest me this year, meaning I will have graduated taking more AP exams than anyone else in my school, 14, whereas the best at my school will graduate with 10-12 at the most (I’m pretty certain no one else is self-studying). Does this compensate for the fact that my junior year schedule is significantly easier than others’ at my school. Like by ivy standard? Not that I’m dead-set on going to an ivy, but it’s good to have high ambitions. 
Or am I just over-thinking this way too much.</p>
<p>Compete with yourself, not with the others. Work at your max.</p>