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美本申请的竞争格局这些年一直在收紧，标化成绩和GPA几乎成了每个申请者的标配，冲高绩点、刷分、修七八门甚至十几门AP，早已是常规操作。
但有一个环节经常被低估，却可能直接决定申请材料的竞争力：AP选课。
不同美国大学对高中AP选课的要求差异不小，有些学校看重文理均衡，有些则对数学和科学的深度有硬性门槛，甚至细化到具体学科门类和修读年限。如果等到申请季才发现课程结构不匹配目标院校的要求，补救空间非常有限。
先看几个典型例子。
斯坦福大学的选课框架是：四年英语、四年数学、至少三年历史或社会研究、至少三年理科、至少三年同一门世界语言。核心逻辑是均衡加深度，五个核心领域都要求持续投入。
卡耐基梅隆大学则是分学院处理。计算机学院要求四年英语、四年数学、一年物理、两年化学或生物或CS、两年外语、三门选修课。
人文与社会科学学院则宽松一些：四年英语、三年数学、一到两年理科、两年外语、六门选修课。
临近开学，不少同学都面临AP选课问题，为了帮助大家理清思路，我们今天就从院校要求、专业匹配、课程难度三个角度入手，深度分析一下：AP到底该怎么选课？
01
美本Top10 AP选课建议
普林斯顿大学
普林斯顿的筛选逻辑很明确：寻找能够适应高强度学术环境的学生。
虽然没有设立强制性的入学课程清单，但给出了相当具体的推荐框架：四年英语学习，尤其强调持续的写作训练；四年数学，有工程意向的学生需要修到微积分；四年同一门外语；至少两年的实验室科学，工科方向最好选物理和化学；至少两年历史。
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Undergraduate Admission
Recommended Course of Study
This is not a list of admission requirements. We understand that not all secondary schools offer the same academic opportunities, and we give full consideration to students who don’t have access to all of these courses.
If possible, we expect students will complete the following courses before beginning study at Princeton:
- Four years of English (including continued practice in writing).
- Four years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in engineering).
- Four years of one language.
- At least two years of laboratory science (including physics and chemistry for students interested in engineering).
- At least two years of history.
In addition, most candidates have had some study in the visual or performing arts.
Whenever you can, challenge yourself with the most rigorous courses possible, such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual‑enrollment courses. We will evaluate the International Baccalaureate (IB), A‑levels or another diploma in the context of the program’s curriculum.
Consult your school adviser or counselor to plan a program to help you succeed at whatever college or university you attend.
麻省理工学院
MIT对学术基础的要求向来以严格著称。MIT建议AP申请者，数学需要持续学到微积分基础层面，为大学阶段的单变量微积分做准备；科学方面，物理、化学、生物最好三门都修过入门课程；人文社科领域也要选有挑战性的课程。
For students in an American curriculum
If you’re attending a secondary school that offers an American curriculum, then we look at three main categories of coursework to evaluate whether you’re well‑prepared—and well‑matched—for academics at MIT:
- Math, including calculus, the analytic foundation of the MIT education
- Science, including physics, chemistry, and/or biology
- Some challenging courses in the humanities, arts, and social sciences
哈佛大学
哈佛的观点是，高中阶段选择高难度课程不仅有助于提升录取概率，也能帮助学生更好地适应大学首年的学术节奏。
A well‑rounded education
A good high school education should do more than prepare you for the next level of education or for later employment—it should prepare you to take advantage of future learning opportunities of all kinds. You should gain particular skills and information, as well as a broad perspective on the world and its possibilities.
By taking the most academically demanding courses you can find, you can improve both your chance of admission to a selective college and your performance during the first years of college.
哈佛建议的AP选课配置是：四年英语，涉及世界文学经典的精读；四年同一门外语；至少两年历史，推荐三年，涵盖美国史、欧洲史和一门高阶历史课程；四年数学，可以包含计算机科学、统计学或微积分，不强制要求微积分但需要与个人兴趣方向匹配；四年科学，物理、化学、生物都要涉及，至少有一门达到高阶水平。写作能力被单独强调，需要频繁练习说明文写作，逻辑表达是基本功。
Choosing high school courses
We hope you will read our thoughts about choosing high school courses that will provide a strong base for a liberal arts education. But in summary, we recommend:
- The study of English for four years: close and extensive reading of the classics of the world’s literature
- Four years of a single foreign language
- The study of history for at least two years, and preferably three years: American history, European history, and one additional advanced history course
- The study of mathematics for four years.**
- The study of science for four years: physics, chemistry, and biology, and preferably one of these at an advanced level
- Frequent practice in the writing of expository prose
斯坦福大学
斯坦福没有固定的选课模板，但核心理念是构建一套适配自身发展方向的课程体系，建议每学期修读五门学术课程，高三也不能放松。
覆盖领域包括：四年英语，侧重写作和文学；四年数学，代数、几何、三角学的基础要扎实，鼓励继续修微积分和统计学；三年以上的历史或社会研究，课程中要包含论文写作任务；三年以上的实验室科学，生物、化学、物理或计算机科学都可以；三年以上的同一门外语。
选课原则是：在学校提供的课程范围内选择超高难度，同时平衡五个核心领域的表现。
Recommended High School Curriculum
We do not have a set of required courses for admission to Stanford. However, we have found that a curriculum like the one below offers comprehensive preparation for the academic rigors at Stanford.
- English: four years, with significant emphasis on writing and literature.
- Mathematics: four years of rigorous mathematics incorporating a solid grounding in fundamental skills (algebra, geometry, trigonometry). We also welcome additional mathematical preparation, including calculus and statistics.
- History/Social Studies: three or more years, with courses that include the writing of essays.
- Science: three or more years of science (some examples include biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, human anatomy, and environmental science).
- World Language: three or more years of the same world language.
耶鲁大学
耶鲁表示不会盯着某一门具体课程看，而是关注整体学业挑战水平和成绩走势。
A Whole‑Person Approach to Admissions
The high school transcript is almost always the most important document in a student’s application. But it is hard to conceive of a situation in which the appearance (or absence) of any one particular class on a transcript would determine the applicant’s outcome. The admissions committee does not make its decisions based on a piecemeal review of an applicant’s recommendations, test scores, activities, or individual elements of a high school transcript. It considers each application as a comprehensive picture of that student.
When the admissions committee looks at your transcript, it will not focus on whether you have taken any specific course. It will be far more interested to see that you have challenged yourself with difficult coursework, and have done well.
Trajectories & Trends
Trends are important. Remember, the admissions committee is primarily concerned with what kind of Yale student you will be. So it is very important that we see a high level (or an improving degree) of rigor and success throughout your high school years. This includes your senior year. If you wish to make your application among the most competitive, you must take a challenging senior program and continue to excel in it. Senior year is not the time to take a light course load. Do not catch “senioritis!” The admissions committee will check an applicant’s senior year program and performance before offering admission.
招生官会留意学生高三是否继续修读高难度课程并保持良好表现，避免出现所谓的“高三倦怠症”。耶鲁给申请者提供了一个自我检验的角度：
课程组合是否均衡？
是否已经为大学阶段的数学、写作和科学课程做好了准备？
自己所选的课在学校课程体系中是否属于高阶选项？
是在主动挑战自己，还是在回避难度？
Ask Yourself These Questions
When weighing your course selection for the upcoming year, here are a few things to consider:
- Am I taking a well‑balanced academic program that will provide me with a good foundation for college?
- Am I prepared to take college‑level math, writing, and science courses?
- Do I feel challenged by the courses that I am taking?
- Are my courses among the more rigorous ones available to me at my school?
- Am I seeking challenge or avoiding it?
- Overall, is my four‑year high school program among the most challenging programs available at my school?
芝加哥大学
芝加哥大学偏爱学术背景广泛的学生，批判性思维和学术探索精神是重点考察方向。推荐课程包括四年英语、三到四年数学（建议修微积分）、三到四年实验室科学、三年以上社会科学、两到三年外语。
In general, it is recommended that students enroll in classes in a breadth of academic subjects, such as:
- English 4 Years
- Math 3‑4 Years*
- Lab Sciences 3‑4 Years
- Social Sciences 3+ Years
- Foreign Language 2‑3 Years
数学方向可以往数据科学、统计学、数学建模、线性代数等进阶内容延伸，即使没有修过微积分也不会成为硬伤，入学后有机会补修。芝大的录取逻辑很清晰：学术基础扎实，同时表现出对知识本身的强烈好奇心，分数只是评估维度之一。
*As stated above, the University does not require any specific courses for admission. Rather, we wish for students to pursue challenging coursework in any path that is available and relevant to them. In mathematics, this may include coursework in data science, statistics, mathematical modeling, linear algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and other advanced math classes. Students will always have the opportunity to complete required mathematics coursework, such as calculus, if required for their program of study in the College while on campus.
Extracurricular Activities
Colleges look at what you are involved in outside of class to learn about what interests you and to see that you’re engaged in the world around you. Some students participate in organizations within their schools or in their community, some work part‑time jobs or volunteer, and others have family responsibilities. Any and every one of those activities, leadership roles, and jobs should be listed on a college application.
杜克大学
杜克大学建议学生高中阶段每年修读大约五门学术课程，尽量选择超具挑战性的选项。核心配置是四年英语、三年以上数学、三年以上自然科学、三年以上外语、三年以上社会研究。申请工程学院的学生必须修微积分，物理也被强烈推荐，同时在AP、IB、荣誉课程等高阶项目中争取好成绩。如果某个学科没有修满建议年限，可以用同等难度的其他学术课程替代，灵活性相对较高。
HOW TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE
You don’t really feel the stress and nervous excitement of getting ready for college until close to the end of your high school career. But preparing for college is much more than the flurry of activity during those last few months.
‑ Enroll in the best available and most challenging courses. We recommend four years of English and at least three years of mathematics, natural sciences, foreign language, and social studies. We generally expect students to enroll in five academic courses per year, and if a student does not take four years in a particular subject area, it should be replaced with an academic course of equal rigor. For students applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, we require coursework in calculus and strongly recommend physics. We also encourage students to enroll in advanced‑level work in as many areas as reasonable, regardless of your intended major. For some students, this will include AP or IB courses, whereas for others it will include honors, accelerated, or college courses.
约翰·霍普金斯大学
JHU重点审查两方面：学术挑战性和兴趣契合度，鼓励跨领域全面选课。
WHEN WE REVIEW APPLICATIONS, WE CONSIDER THREE THINGS:
‑ Academic Character: How you’ve challenged yourself academically and pursued your academic interests.
‑ Impact & Initiative: How you’ve gotten involved and made an impact in your community.
‑ Overall Match: How your goals and values align with Hopkins, and how we believe you’d grow and contribute to the university community.
推荐四年英语（涉及文学、诗歌、创造性写作等）、四年数学（数据科学、统计学、微积分等高阶内容）、四年实验室科学（生物、化学、计算机科学、工程设计等）、四年社会科学（历史、经济学、心理学等）。课程结构可以灵活调整，允许在某些学术领域做替代，侧重在自身优势方向上深耕。
WE GENERALLY RECOMMEND TAKING COURSES ACROSS ACADEMIC AREAS. THIS COULD INCLUDE:
‑ 4 years of English (e.g. courses in literature, poetry, creative writing)
‑ 4 years of math* (e.g. courses in data science, mathematical modeling, statistics, linear algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and other advanced mathematics classes)
‑ 4 years of laboratory sciences (e.g. courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering design)
‑ 4 years of social sciences (e.g. courses in history, macro or microeconomics, government, psychology)
Please note these are not requirements. You may choose to substitute one academic area to double up in another, and that’s perfectly fine!
宾夕法尼亚大学
宾大强调在五大核心领域持续学习：英语、社会研究、数学、科学、外语，这五个方向在整个高中阶段都需要保持修读，同时尽可能挑战学校提供的高阶课程。
High School Preparation
When you apply to Penn, you’ll be asked to choose one of our undergraduate schools or specialized programs as your home base for the time you’re a student here.
Every Penn student gains a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences and can take classes in all four schools. Therefore, we encourage you to consistently take classes in core academic areas—English, social studies, math, science, and foreign language—throughout your four years of high school. We hope that every student who applies to Penn will challenge themselves in high school based on the opportunities offered at their school.
同时，不同学院有各自的侧重：文理学院需要均衡的大学预科课程，并具备将知识应用于实际的能力；工程学院对物理和数学尤其是微积分有较高要求，同时看重创新与应用能力；沃顿商学院要求数学功底强尤其是微积分，同时关注领导力和用商业推动变革的兴趣。
02
AP选课三大核心逻辑
把以上院校AP选课要求放在一起看，可以发现AP选课的核心逻辑可以归纳为三条：
一，英语、数学、社会研究、科学、外语这五大核心领域需要覆盖，多数院校要求三到四年的持续修读；
二，在一些名校的招生官眼中，高中选课难度的重要性不亚于文书和课外活动。所以建议同学们，尽量在保持高分GPA的前提下，选修有挑战性的课程，往往更具录取竞争力。
| Academic | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor of secondary school record | X | |||
| Class rank | X | |||
| Academic GPA | X | |||
| Standardized test scores | X | |||
| Application Essay | X | |||
| Recommendation(s) | X |
Nonacademic |
Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interview | X | |||
| Extracurricular activities | X | |||
| Talent/ability | X | |||
| Character/personal qualities | X | |||
| First generation | X | |||
| Alumni/ae relation | X | |||
| Geographical residence | X | |||
| State residency | X | |||
| Religious affiliation/commitment | X | |||
| Volunteer work | X | |||
| Work experience | X | |||
| Level of applicant’s interest | X |
第三，在满足美国大学对高中选课的基本要求之外，学生们可以根据未来的专业兴趣，有针对性的做加法。
例如，对工程、物理类专业感兴趣的同学，可以选择微积分BC+两门物理C，再按兴趣选择计算机CSA/经商/文科等科目。
选课这件事，本质上是把未来两三年的学术路径提前定下来，一旦确定了方向，后续的GPA和标化备考才有了清晰的参照系。建议尽早对照目标院校的要求，结合自身兴趣和学校提供的课程资源，做一个长线规划，而不是等到申请季才开始调整。
