Is it okay to have no AP classes?

While there is no guarantee that you will be admitted into your top college choices just because you take AP courses, and there is no guarantee that you won't be admitted if you don't take these courses, it is critical that students are aware of why AP courses are valuable.

Is it OK to not take an AP class?

Yes. We recommend taking the AP course before taking an AP Exam—but it's not required. We want to be sure homeschooled students and students in schools that don't offer AP can take AP Exams.

Can you be successful without taking AP classes?

AP classes are bonuses. They can boost your portfolio. However, if you don't do well in them, then there is no point in showcasing badly done AP classes for your college admission. Essentially, doing well in normal classes even without AP ones can give a very good chance to get into top college.

Do AP classes matter anymore?

A 2018 paper found that AP classes have “minimal to no impacts” on students' college outcomes, and a study from this year found that AP test takers were no more likely to enroll in college than their peers following standard curricula.

Are AP classes really important?

To boost their GPA

Because AP classes are more rigorous, they're often weighted more in a student's GPA. Many high schools give more weight to AP classes, so earning an “A” or “B” in an AP class will bring your student's GPA up more than an “A” or “B” in a regular class would.

How to Study for an AP® Test Without an AP® Class

Is 2 AP classes a lot?

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 the easiest AP class?

What if I never took an AP class?

Yes! If you're a good student and the school thinks you're a good match, you will get in. AP courses give you bonus points, but they are never required. Some high schools don't even offer AP courses.

What percent of kids take AP classes?

Now, with AP courses in dozens of subjects, nearly 23,000 high schools offer at least one AP course, with about 35% of recent high school graduates taking at least one AP course.

Can I get into Harvard with no APs?

The school also no longer has advanced standing exams, so all students enter the college on equal footing. Prior coursework can help to strengthen your application, however, so you should not refrain from taking classes that lead to college credit in high school. Getting into Harvard is not easy, but it is possible.

Can I get into Ivy League without AP?

It is still a possibility to get into an Ivy League without APs, but it would mean that your extracurriculars, essays, and your grades in school should be well built.

Do Ivy Leagues prefer AP or IB?

Students who take IB classes in high school have higher acceptance rates into Ivy League schools, but this doesn't necessarily mean a higher acceptance rate than AP students; it just means that IB students have a higher acceptance rate than the general application pool.

Is a C+ in an AP class bad?

However, if that AP class is only or one of few APs you take, and if you plan to put your application to top schools, you better find a way that can cover your C+. Generally, a grade below the B- considered negative in college admissions, which is true.

Is 4 AP classes too little?

Junior year

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.

Is 5 AP classes too much junior year?

Junior Year

Depending on what kind of school you want to go to, you should be taking between 3 and 5 AP® classes this year. You will need to manage your time well, however, as you also need to study for the SAT® or ACT® during this time.

Is 6 AP classes in one year too much?

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 it bad to not take AP classes junior year?

AP Classes are great, but not really necessary. If you take the regular, non-remedial college prep classes you should be fine. Just taking whatever you're comfortable with is always the best option. If you feel like AP classes are a good choice for you, then take them.

Is junior year too late for AP classes?

Any student can take AP if they're ready to put in the effort. Students are ready at different times and it's never too early, or too late. Starting AP in senior year is common.

Why do people not take AP classes?

#2: AP Courses Cause Stress for Students

Psychologists and high school students themselves have pointed to the potential mental health effects this can have on teenagers. When AP courses were a new thing, only the most well-prepared students could take them.

Is 1 AP class enough?

Please know that taking 1 AP course will not make or break you getting accepted to a college. The admissions officer will look at your entire high school career and the courses you took. Taking AP US History vs. US History Honors will probably make no difference whatsoever in your acceptance to that school.

What is the hardest AP class ever?

Calculus AB

This college-level calculus course is considered the hardest AP class by many students. You'll study differential equations, integral calculus, and mathematical theorems in AP Calculus AB. The exam consists of 45 MCQs and six free-response questions.

Are AP classes really hard?

AP classes can be challenging, but that doesn't mean you're not up to the task. If you're willing to work hard and if you're prepared academically, you should be able to succeed in an AP course. And remember, students benefit from taking AP courses and exams no matter their score.

Is 17 AP classes too much?

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. There are no colleges out there that require you to take 14, 17, or some other obscene number of Advanced Placement offerings.

Is 2 APs junior year good?

The number of AP classes you take should align with your personal academic strengths and interests. Taking two AP courses in your junior year could certainly be viewed as a rigorous courseload, especially if the APs are in subjects that you are passionate about and plan to dedicate considerable effort.

Is 12 AP classes too much?

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.