Juniors selecting classes for the next school year often choose with an eye to how rigorous their schedule will appear to the admissions committee at selective colleges. Hoping to impress, the students choose as many Advanced Placement and honors courses as they can fit into their day. Unfortunately, this strategy often leads to a grueling senior year, and the classes selected might not truly be the best for that particular student. When choosing classes, consider your strengths and interests first. That way you’ll end up with a program that is tailored to you and one in which you will be successful. While it is true that selective colleges want students willing to challenge themselves intellectually, you’ll need to maintain good grades in those demanding classes if you truly hope to impress.
Select only as many AP classes as you can manage. Remember, these are college-level classes, and each requires a considerable amount of outside reading and writing. Don’t overdose on APs. You might consider combining especially challenging APs like Calculus, Literature, Chemistry, or European History, with one of the less-demanding ones such as Psychology, Statistics, or Government. Let your interests point to appropriate choices. Are you talented in art? Try Studio Art. Good at computers? Maybe Computer Science is for you. Although each of these classes requires a good deal of outside effort, enjoying what you’re studying will make it seem less like work.
Are all APs created equal in the eyes of admissions officers? No; some are known to be much more intellectually challenging than others. But by selecting the APs that are truly best for you, you can earn grades that reflect both your effort and potential.
