should I be taking these many AP classes?

poetrygirl
Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:06:59 +0000

Here’s the deal:
Colleges will not penalize you for taking more AP classes. Challenging yourself and taking difficult classes is not something colleges ever look down upon (unless, you know, it’s clear that it’s way over your head and you’re getting C’s and D’s in all your APs or something). They see it as a mark that you are intelligent, responsible, and capable (and also not slacking off senior year).

If you feel that you can handle those classes, then go for it. Do it because you want to and you are interested, not simply for colleges.

In addition, make sure you feel you can handle the classes and applying to college and whatever other activities you are doing. I’m not saying you can’t, I’m simply saying not to tax yourself. Adding additional stress during senior year/college applications is never a good thing. It sounds like you feel capable of taking those classes, but just in case, you should make sure you talk to all the teachers about it. See how much homework you’ll be getting per night and ask whether you think you can handle it. Especially, I would say in Physics, because it sounds like you haven’t taken honors physics first.

It sounds like you can handle the classes, but it’s always good to check and make sure. Doing one AP class fewer will not make or break whether you get into a college.

(I’m simply being the precautionary voice in your head. I had a friend who did what you did and pulled her hair out all senior year, but she’s a very high-stress person anyway. Then, I had a cousin who took 6 APs senior year and didn’t bat an eyelash. You know yourself best. If you feel sure about it, go for it!)