How many AP classes do Ivy League students take?
Asked by: Stuart Leannon | Last update: January 10, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (75 votes)
The Ideal Number of AP Classes for Ivy League Schools However, most competitive applicants take between 8 to 12 AP courses during high school.
How many AP classes should you take to get into Harvard?
If you're looking for a specific number of APs that you should take, it will depend on your school's offerings, but a safe number for admission at Ivy League schools is usually between 7 and 12 AP classes throughout high school.
How many AP classes did the average Harvard student take?
While Harvard does not set a hard-and-fast rule for AP coursework, the average incoming Harvard student has taken eight AP classes. Keep in mind that Harvard's admissions department weighs several factors, so don't count on AP classes alone if you want to get into Harvard.
How many AP classes are required for Yale?
No. Applicants should submit scores from all subject exams completed prior to submitting their application. Recognizing that access to AP and IB courses varies widely among and within high schools, Yale does not set a minimum.
Is 3 AP classes too much?
In addition, ensure you devote enough time to studying for the SAT or ACT this year. For example, if you are hoping for an Ivy League, you will need to take 3-5 AP classes. On the other hand, taking 2-4 APs would be enough if you are aiming for less-competitive schools.
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Is taking 7 AP classes too much?
Colleges will generally assess your coursework within the context of what's available at your high school. Thus, if 7 AP classes represent a significant portion of the AP courses offered at your school, that would be a strong indication of your academic rigor.
Is 3 AP classes enough for the Ivy League?
The Ideal Number of AP Classes for Ivy League Schools
Freshman Year: 1-2 AP courses (if offered) Sophomore Year: 2-3 AP courses. Junior Year: 3-4 AP courses. Senior Year: 3-5 AP courses.
How many AP classes does MIT require?
MIT doesn't require applicants to take advanced courses beyond what is commonly available in high school.
Do Ivy Leagues prefer AP or dual enrollment?
If you are more focused on completing college early, dual enrollment credits may be your best option. If you are more interested in academics and getting into an Ivy League college, AP classes may be more beneficial for your goals.
Can I get into Yale with a 3.7 GPA?
To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT. You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher.
How many AP classes is impressive?
For the most part, the more selective the school you hope to attend, the more APs you should take—within reason. For Ivies and other top 30 schools, aim for 8-12 or more, if feasible. For the top 30-50 schools, 5-8 will usually suffice. Of course, make sure you're not overloading yourself.
What is the most taken class at Harvard?
D. Harvard's Positive Psychology 1504, taught by professor Tal Ben-Shahar Ph. D., will enter the books as the most popular course in the history of Harvard University.
How many AP classes should I take to get into Cornell?
Most applicants to Ivies tend to have 8-12 AP classes, so you should aim to reach that number as well to be considered competitive. Additionally, 83% of admitted students at Cornell are ranked in the top 10% of their graduating classes. You'll want to aim for the highest GPA you can achieve in your classes.
Does Harvard prefer IB or AP?
Harvard does not explicitly state a preference for IB or AP courses. To receive credit for IB classes, accepted students must earn an IB diploma. Incoming students must earn a score of 5 on at least four AP exams to earn college credit at Harvard.
How many AP classes should I take for Stanford?
There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.
How many aps does Duke want?
AP Credit Policy
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences students may apply up to 2 of these elective course credits toward the degree requirement of 34 course credits, with up to 6 additional credits awarded for acceleration toward the degree.
Is dual enrollment as impressive as AP?
While DE classes, in general, are not as rigorous as AP classes, they, however, get you in the door faster. Again, unlike AP courses, you do not need to have a high score on your exam or grade to earn college credit, you just need to pass.
Can you double major in Ivy Leagues?
Double majoring at an Ivy League school is definitely achievable, but it requires careful planning and time management.
What AP scores do Ivy Leagues take?
If you're wondering, do Ivy Leagues accept AP credit? The school only accepts scores of 5 to qualify as course credit. Princeton only accepts AP scores of 5 and not very often 4 towards college credit.
How many AP classes does Yale require?
Yale does not require students to take AP courses to get accepted by the school. However, if your school offers AP courses, you should take them instead of taking the easier versions of the classes.
Does MIT prefer IB or AP?
While AP and IB classes allow you to take the end-of-course exams for college credit, MIT generally does not accept the credit from these tests. The school wants all of its incoming freshmen to start at MIT on equal footing. However, MIT does grant credit for specific AP tests on which you score a five.
Is 5 AP classes too much senior year?
In general, college counselors recommend taking 5-8 AP courses. That said, there are lots of factors to consider when enrolling in AP classes, beyond the ones previously mentioned. The other biggest factor to consider is which AP classes your high school currently offers.
Is a 3.5 GPA good enough for Ivy League?
So, is a 3.5 GPA good enough for Ivy League schools? On its own, it likely isn't enough to provide the competitiveness you'll need to get an offer. Of course, it is possible to get accepted with a stellar application. You'll need to rely on other impressive achievements to improve your chances.
How many AP classes does the average person take at Harvard?
Be cautious of overloading your schedule: Harvard would rather see a high GPA with 4 AP courses each year than a low GPA and a daunting 8 AP courses. Consider your AP, honors, and regular options carefully each semester based upon your own self-knowledge, schedule flexibility, and course offerings.