Is an AP class load worth the stress?

High schools are beginning to offer more AP classes to their students. This allows students to get a head start on their college career and see what it’s all about. But, is taking these advanced classes in high school worth the stress?

It is known that high school is very busy for active students, between extracurricular's and school. Do they really have time to commit to the extra workload that comes with AP classes? These are not just typical high school courses that students can breeze through, they are college classes for a reason and must be taken like one.

Senior, Ryan Stone, says “I think the stress of AP classes is worth it because although it may be tough at times it helps earn college credits which helps make your college load easier. It also helps you prepare for the high level of college classes.”

Most students are drawn to AP classes because it will help them prepare for college in many different ways. It creates necessary study habits and time management skills that will carry on through college.

Many students struggle to know what kind of career they would want in the future, or what they would like to study in college. AP classes such as AP economics helps expose students to that field and can motivate them to choose that as a major.

Senior, Paige Nelson, shares “AP classes are beneficial because they have helped me learn proper study habits for my future education and discover passions.”

Before signing up for an AP course one must consider the differences between AP and general courses.

Study Point states, “Advanced Placement classes are rigorous and demanding, offering an intellectual stimulation that students won't get in regular high school courses.”

However, many high schools offer AP classes as a weighted course. This makes your first AP class less intimidating because it can boost your GPA or help balance out the difficulty of the course.

With that being said students must be prepared and understand that there will be more work, more studying, and more time after school that must be committed to that course. This could also help students determine the amount of AP courses they should take. For some students taking one AP course could be perfect. They get the idea of what a college course would be like, gain the college credit, and still have available time for leisure and extracurricular activities. Gaining college credit in high school is a refreshing feeling. Knowing that if you are successful it will be one less course to take in college.

Overall, I would recommend that students at least try one AP class throughout their high school career so they can be exposed to the course load of a college class and to gain college credit.