Is taking AP classes worth it?

Adriana♥: Is taking AP classes worth it?
I am a sophomore and am planning my schedule for next year. I am taking 1 AP this year (AP US history) and have an A (overall an unweighted 4.0 GPA). I am thinking of having about 4 AP classes next year (Psychology, Lit and Comp, environmental science, and euro history OR sociology). I am also taking honors Pre-calc and chemistry, in addition to French 4 and writing for the school newspaper. I want about 10 AP’s by the end of high school and will probably take 4 or 5 senior year (Calc AB, Government, Biology, French, and Language and Composition). Is it worth it to take this many AP’s (considering I get 4 or 5 on the test)? I am also in 2 sports and many clubs. I really want to get a scholarship to a school but I also really want to get accepted to an Ivy League school (please do not say this is unlikely because I know that). Is it very overwhelming to take so many AP classes and are they worth it? Please help! Thank you!!!!:)

Answers and Views:

Answer by Hellogoodbye
Yes take AP classes. Hard work pays off and it will benefit you alot. 🙂 It seems like your very hardworking and everything and if you think you can keep up with all the work go for it! Ivy League schools want to see you challenge yourself. DO NOT overwhelm yourself though. Take one in sophomore year and see how it goes first then if you think you can handle it take maybe 2-3 the next year 🙂

Answer by blueslushie
I suggest taking as many AP classes as possible, as long as you can do well in each of them . AP classes usually aren’t much more difficult than an honors class, but the benefit of being able to get college credit is more than worth the extra effort. You’re already getting an A in your current AP class, so you should be able to judge how many of them you can handle next year. Make sure you don’t put any clubs ahead of your schoolwork; clubs don’t really matter that much in college admissions. The sports are important, but again, not as important as your schoolwork. Good luck! I really hope you get into your dream school :o)

Answer by Betsy
It is good to take AP classes because you usually learn more. However, you need to avoid taking so many that you end up with low grades. I would suggest that you discuss this with your high school counselor. Hopefully, the counselor will have had experience with students who took 4 or 5 AP classes in one year and knows whether or not they were usually successful.