AP tests: the point is not to “collect them all.”

But take note: the point is not to “collect them all.” There isn’t a competition to see how many AP classes you can take. Colleges will not automatically favor applicants with the most AP courses, especially if they start to drag down your GPA or if you don’t pass the exams.

In short, APs can be a huge boost to your college application, but if you take too many, they could actually hurt your chances.

Why not take more after-AP classes that are even more challenging and more in-depth than AP classes? 

The keyword here is Challenge. If one takes 8+ AP classes, that means at AP level, these classes are not challenging enough for the student. AP classes are low-hanging fruits. Why not move up on a ladder and risk low GPA by taking on after-AP classes? 

If taking 25 AP's is a walk in the park for a student, he should not take that many AP's. Pick a battle that suits the level of the contestants. When you compete against the best of the bests, losing is exciting!

On the other side of the coin, if you take three AP classes in core subject areas, and someone else takes five but two of them were irrelevant to that student's interests, schools probably won't make much of a distinction between you. Top colleges are looking for students who have taken advantage of their opportunities, which means taking the most difficult courses available that fit with their interests.

The bottom line: take challenging classes that show your interests!

May not be totally relevant here, but as the saying goes: Jack of all trades, master of none. By judically picking the advanced classes, a student can demonstrate his thought process of taking on challenges and make the best out of them. Sometimes, a 4 point final is better than a 5 point perfect score.