10th-11th Grade Resource
AP Course Selection Guide
Choose AP courses strategically for your college goals
📚 AP Planning Quick Guide
Why APs Matter
- • Boost weighted GPA (A in AP = 5.0 vs 4.0)
- • Show academic rigor colleges want to see
- • Potential to earn college credit (scores 4-5)
- • Prepare for college-level work
When APs Don't Help
- • If you earn mostly C's or struggle to keep up
- • If they prevent activities you love
- • If they hurt your mental health or balance
- • If your school doesn't offer many (colleges understand)
How Many Should You Take?
Quality over quantity: 3-4 APs with strong grades is better than 6-7 with lower grades. Aim for APs in subjects you excel at and that align with your future college major.
⚡ AP Success Tips
- • Take APs in your strongest subjects first
- • Balance APs with honors or regular classes for sanity
- • Use free resources (AP Classroom, Khan Academy, past exams)
- • Check each college's AP credit policy—credits vary widely
💡 Remember: Colleges want to see you challenge yourself and succeed. Pick APs that highlight your strengths, not just to fill your schedule.
✅ How APs Help
- • Boost weighted GPA (A in AP = 5.0 vs 4.0)
- • Show academic rigor colleges want to see
- • Earn college credit (score 4-5 on exam)
- • Prepare for college-level work
⚠️ When APs Don't Matter
- • If you get C's or lower (hurts GPA)
- • If they prevent extracurricular involvement
- • If they damage mental health
- • If your school doesn't offer many (colleges understand)
Remember: Quality over quantity. 3-4 APs with A's beats 7 APs with B's and C's.
Ready to Plan Your AP Journey?
Download the complete guide with planning worksheets and course interest rankings
CollegeHound members get personalized AP schedules based on their specific college list