@CameronBameron2,283 answers, 8,522 votes
• 2 years ago
Context is everything @amy45339 so I disagree with the submitted answer from the other poster.
If your goal is to get accepted into an Ivy/Elite/1st Tier Liberal Arts College, then 5-6 APs is on the low side. Most successful admits have 8-12 APs, probably 9-10 is the average and norm.
If you are consider 2nd tier research universities like UVA, UMich, USC, UCLA, or Notre Dame or 2nd tier LACs like Colby, Colgate, Hamilton, then I would say that 7-8 is more the average and norm.
The type of colleges where 5-6 APs would be good for are 3rd tier research universities like UPitt, Villanova, UCDavis, UCIrvine, UMiami, UMassAmherst, UWashington, Wake Forest or 3rd tier LACS like Occidental, Pitzer, Scripps, Union College, Trinity College, Skidmore.
3-4 APs would be more like 4th tier research universities or liberal arts colleges.
So the number of APs you should consider taking are commensurate with the kind of college/university you are applying to.
Colleges do make exceptions for students whose HSs do not offer very many APs do to lack of resources or the caliber of students in that zip code school district. So if you live in less resourced school district where your HS only offers 5 or 6 APs, try to take as many as possible and augment your course rigor and intellectual vitality other ways by taking online classes, or learning things on your own outside of the classroom setting.
Good luck.
FAQs
Students applying to less selective schools or state schools are recommended to take 1-5 APs, so if that is your bracket then you shouldn't need to worry too much. For honour programs, scholarships, or more selective schools, you might need to ensure your application stands out in other areas like sports.
Is 5 APs too little? ›
College counselors recommend that students strive to take 5-8 AP classes throughout their high school career, especially if they are interested in attending a highly-selective institution such as an Ivy League college. That said, you shouldn't feel pressured to take more AP classes than you can comfortably manage.
Is 6 AP exams enough? ›
Taking and doing well on more than 5 AP course exams doesn't significantly improve a student's chances of getting good first-year college grades and four-year degree completion, the nonprofit found. In fact, just doing well on their first or second exam indicates future college success.
Is 6 AP classes enough for Ivy League? ›
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.
Is getting a 4 on an AP exam bad? ›
AP tests are scored on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Get a 4 or higher, and you may be able to earn college credit without paying college tuition! Whether you just got your AP scores back or are considering taking an AP class, here's everything you need to know about AP scores.
What happens if you only take 5 APs? ›
Students applying to less selective schools or state schools are recommended to take 1-5 APs, so if that is your bracket then you shouldn't need to worry too much. For honour programs, scholarships, or more selective schools, you might need to ensure your application stands out in other areas like sports.
How many APs is impressive? ›
“ They generally prefer students who fully challenged themselves and the average is about 9 AP classes or what is expected. I hope that helps. They like to call it AP-titude or is an attitude towards learning and challenging yourself fully in academics.
Is 6 APs too little? ›
For moderately selective colleges: Take AP classes for most core subjects and a few additional courses. These will amount to around 4-8 AP courses. For less selective colleges: You can take AP classes in some core subjects in addition to courses relevant to your interests and goals.
Is 75% a 5 on AP exams? ›
Usually, a 70 to 75 percent out of 100 translates to a 5. However, there are some exams that are exceptions to this rule of thumb. The AP Grades that are reported to students, high schools, colleges, and universities in July are on AP's five-point scale: 5: Extremely well qualified.
Which AP is easiest? ›
Easiest AP exams by pass rate
| AP Subject | Pass Rate (Exam Score of 3+) | Median Score |
|---|
| Ap Physics C Mechanics | 73.4% | 3.41 |
| AP Psychology | 58.3% | 2.71 |
| AP Research | 82.7% | 3.3 |
| AP Seminar | 82.6% | 3.19 |
34 more rowsJan 13, 2023
Some college admissions experts recommend taking as many as 7-12 AP courses before applying to the most elite universities. However, students who take 4-5 AP courses can still qualify for good schools, including many of the country's top public research institutions.
Does a 5 on an AP exam look good? ›
A passing score on the AP exam is generally considered a 3, and students who earn the highest score of 5 demonstrate mastery in their course. In many AP classes, students who achieve a 5 on their AP exam are rewarded with a potential boost to an A for their second semester grade.
Is a 5 good on an AP test? ›
A good AP score for you is one that's high enough to earn you credit at your target colleges. Many schools require a minimum of 3, but some require a 4 or even 5. High AP scores can sometimes boost your chances of getting admitted to college, so strive to get the highest score you can.
Is 5 APs enough for Ivy League? ›
Ivy League
To be a competitive candidate for admission, you will need to take at least 8 AP® classes, more if you can. It is a good idea to take 1 AP® course in each of the following core disciplines: English, Foreign Language, History, Math, and Science to impress the admissions officers.
