I totally do agree with credentials races. There’s really good data on students doing well in some base number of APs and being very prepared to be successful in rigorous college settings.
But I don’t agree on the double major advice. In general I think we should be more about kids finding their own path and less about competition with each other. For some students, a double degree or major is a very natural choice. I have a BS in math and a BS in comp sci. I think the combo brings depth to both areas. My senior is looking at double major/degree programs. Some students do better with more rigor. Some students take a bunch of AP or DE classes without breaking a sweat and still have time for extra curriculars and a social life and really aren’t stressed. It’s when things become one size fits all or that you have to keep up with someone else that it becomes problematic.
What I do think would be interesting is cost analysis data on the income impact on getting a masters vs a 2nd major. I suspect financially people would be better off getting the masters. Especially at a well funded grad program. But that’s speculation.