How many AP classes do I need to be competitive for UC Berkeley?
I'm a rising senior aiming for UC Berkeley, and I'm worried about whether I have enough AP classes on my transcript. So far, I've taken 4 APs, and next year I'm planning to take 3 more, which would make it 7 total by graduation. I've heard some people take way more than that, like 10 or even 12.
Is there a specific number UC Berkeley wants to see, or is it more about how difficult my schedule is compared to what's offered at my school? My school only offers 9 APs total, so I can't really go higher unless I do online courses.
Does anyone have insight into what UC Berkeley is actually looking for with AP classes, or can share their own experience? I'm kind of stressing out about not doing enough.
Is there a specific number UC Berkeley wants to see, or is it more about how difficult my schedule is compared to what's offered at my school? My school only offers 9 APs total, so I can't really go higher unless I do online courses.
Does anyone have insight into what UC Berkeley is actually looking for with AP classes, or can share their own experience? I'm kind of stressing out about not doing enough.
6 months ago
•
50 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 6 months ago
Advisor
There isn't a strict number of AP courses you need to have to be competitive for UC Berkeley, but context really does matter a lot here. UC Berkeley looks at your academic choices within the opportunities available at your high school. They expect applicants to challenge themselves, but they also recognize that not every student has access to the same number of AP or honors courses.
You mentioned your school offers 9 APs, and you plan to take 7 by graduation. That actually shows a strong commitment to challenging yourself academically, since you're taking almost all of the APs your school has available. Admissions officers will review your transcript with that in mind, so you aren't penalized for not taking more APs if those options aren't accessible to you.
Here's an example: Let's say Student A attends a school that offers 20 AP classes and took 7. Student B, like you, goes to a school with only 9 AP classes and also took 7. In this scenario, Student B may actually look more academically ambitious, relative to opportunities.
UC Berkeley also considers your performance in these classes, so doing well in the APs you've taken is just as important as the overall number. In addition, it's valuable to take APs in core academic areas (English, math, science, history, language) when possible, but not to overload yourself at the expense of your well-being or other meaningful activities.
If you have a genuine interest in a subject not covered by your school’s AP offerings and want to go above and beyond by taking an online AP or community college course, you can, but that’s not required to be competitive. What's more important is that your choices make sense in terms of your academic strengths and interests.
Several Berkeley admits have shared that they were admitted with 6-8 APs or even fewer, simply because that's what their school offered. You're on a solid track with 7, especially if you’re doing well in those classes. Aim to use your application to explain any context when necessary and highlight how you've sought academic challenges.
As you finalize your schedule for senior year, consider your personal workload and interests as well. Depth and engagement beyond just numbers often stand out in the admissions process.
You mentioned your school offers 9 APs, and you plan to take 7 by graduation. That actually shows a strong commitment to challenging yourself academically, since you're taking almost all of the APs your school has available. Admissions officers will review your transcript with that in mind, so you aren't penalized for not taking more APs if those options aren't accessible to you.
Here's an example: Let's say Student A attends a school that offers 20 AP classes and took 7. Student B, like you, goes to a school with only 9 AP classes and also took 7. In this scenario, Student B may actually look more academically ambitious, relative to opportunities.
UC Berkeley also considers your performance in these classes, so doing well in the APs you've taken is just as important as the overall number. In addition, it's valuable to take APs in core academic areas (English, math, science, history, language) when possible, but not to overload yourself at the expense of your well-being or other meaningful activities.
If you have a genuine interest in a subject not covered by your school’s AP offerings and want to go above and beyond by taking an online AP or community college course, you can, but that’s not required to be competitive. What's more important is that your choices make sense in terms of your academic strengths and interests.
Several Berkeley admits have shared that they were admitted with 6-8 APs or even fewer, simply because that's what their school offered. You're on a solid track with 7, especially if you’re doing well in those classes. Aim to use your application to explain any context when necessary and highlight how you've sought academic challenges.
As you finalize your schedule for senior year, consider your personal workload and interests as well. Depth and engagement beyond just numbers often stand out in the admissions process.
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Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
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5 years
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