To AP or not to AP

Is there advantage for the average high school kid to take AP classes?  Some people would say "absolutely".  You have to go to a great college, and the only way to get in is to have AP classes with a high GPA.  But wait.. even if you get in, can you afford it?  Is it worth it? I see so many stressed out, over-scheduled high school kids that I have come to wonder if the average student needs AP at all.  The sleep-deprivation and anxiety just do not seem worth it sometimes.