Best AP Classes to Take for College Admissions

Hey! You're almost there—so close to your dream college! Choosing the right AP classes can give you the competitive edge you need to stand out in admissions.

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are a great way to challenge yourself academically and impress college admissions officers. However, not all AP courses are equally valuable for every student. The best AP classes to take depend on your intended major, interests, and the expectations of top colleges. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right AP courses to boost your college application.

What are the AP classes?

AP (Advanced Placement) classes are college-level courses offered in high school that help students develop critical thinking skills, improve academic performance, and stand out in college admissions. These courses are designed by the College Board and cover advanced material in subjects like Math, Science, English, and History.

By taking AP classes and scoring well on AP exams, students can earn college credit, potentially saving time and tuition costs in college. These courses also prepare students for the challenges of university coursework, making their transition to higher education smoother.

Why AP Classes Matter for College Admissions

Colleges appreciate AP courses because they show academic rigor, dedication, and the ability to handle college-level work. Scoring well on AP exams can also earn you college credits, potentially saving time and money in the future.

Top AP Classes for College Admissions

1. AP Calculus AB & BC

• Recommended for: STEM majors (Engineering, Math, Physics, Computer Science)

• Why it’s valuable: Demonstrates strong quantitative skills and readiness for college-

  level math.

2. AP English Language & AP English Literature

• Recommended for: All students, especially those interested in Humanities, Law, or Journalism

• Why it’s valuable: Improves writing and critical thinking skills, which are essential in most college courses.

3. AP Biology, AP Chemistry, & AP Physics

• Recommended for: Pre-med, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering majors

• Why it’s valuable: These courses provide a strong foundation for college-level science and are often prerequisites for STEM fields.

4. AP U.S. History & AP World History

• Recommended for: Political Science, International Relations, and History majors

• Why it’s valuable: Develops analytical skills and a strong understanding of historical contexts, which is beneficial in many college programs.

5. AP Economics (Micro & Macro)

• Recommended for: Business, Finance, Economics majors

• Why it’s valuable: Introduces fundamental economic concepts that are useful for business-related studies.

6. AP Psychology

• Recommended for: Psychology, Education, and Social Sciences majors

• Why it’s valuable: Provides an excellent introduction to human behavior and mental processes, which is useful in many fields.

7. AP Computer Science A & AP Computer Science Principles

• Recommended for: Computer Science, IT, and Data Science majors

• Why it’s valuable: Develops programming skills and computational thinking, which are highly valued in tech industries.

How Many AP Classes Should You Take?

The number of AP classes you should take depends on your academic ability, workload, and college goals. Here are some general recommendations:

• Highly competitive colleges (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford): 6-12 APs, with a focus on core subjects.

• Selective colleges: 4-8 APs, balancing rigor with strong grades.

• Less competitive colleges: 2-4 APs, to show commitment without overwhelming yourself.

Final Tips for Choosing AP Classes

• Pick AP courses relevant to your intended major to strengthen your application.

• Maintain a balanced workload to avoid burnout.

• Prioritize quality over quantity—a few strong AP scores are better than taking too many and performing poorly.

• Take AP exams seriously—high scores can earn you college credit.

Choosing the right AP classes can significantly impact your college admissions chances. Focus on subjects that align with your strengths and future career aspirations. If you need help preparing for AP exams, Excezy offers expert tutoring to help you succeed. Book a session with us today and maximize your academic potential!