No. If your high school offers AP classes then taking AP classes demonstrates taking the most rigorous academic program available. If AP classes aren’t available, you can still take the most challenging academic program available, it just won’t include AP classes. AP courses help in college admissions only when high schools actually offer them. Colleges know what classes are available based on the school profile that is sent with counselors letter or transcript.
FAQ
FAQ: What is the difference between early action and early decision?
When considering early action vs. early decision, the major focus is on the fact that Early Decision (ED) is binding and Early Action (EA) is not. Binding means that if you are accepted, you agree to attend the college and withdraw or not apply to any other colleges. The reason to do so is that some of the most competitive colleges have much higher early decision acceptance rates. However, colleges where early decision acceptance rates are much higher than regular decision generally do not provide much in the way of merit aid. So students need to be prepared to pay their full Expect Family Contribution.