Point – Ivan Duchkov
No matter what time of the year, although commonly through April and May, there are ongoing conversations about AP classes and exams. The constant stress and dedication of students to achieve a good score make it a period of annoyance and possible exhaustion for students. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If AP classes were not considered key to college success, there would be less pressure associated with them. AP classes are tricky because, although they give college credits and allow students to bypass classes in college (albeit if they receive a good score), they bring a lot of negatives especially if students overload themselves with AP classes.
Firstly, students are getting overwhelmed by the concept of AP classes. Regular classes are almost off the table and thought of as a distraction or a factor that will prevent them from succeeding in college. Students don’t think that regular classes will help them build useful skills. However, on-level classes can incorporate fun activities that make students’ school day less boring or tiring.
I often go on social media and see students complaining or asking for help/tips on their respective AP classes. It’s clear that AP classes are taking a toll on students’ mental health and often result in regrets. AP classes have heavier workloads and require more commitment. A problem arises when students overestimate their abilities to stay on track and make the commitment to AP classes and end up suffering in the long run.
Additionally, teenagers are known for not being able to defend themselves from peer pressure. Some see their friends taking five or six AP courses, for example, and feel obligated to take them with their friends. Students are egged on by remarks that AP classes are pretty easy and lower-level classes are GPA killers. Without going in-depth and learning about these AP classes, and forgetting the “AP” part in the name, some join their friends in these classes to later find out that they were better off without them. Although AP increases weighted GPAs, there is an argument to be made that the increase is not big enough to make up for the intensity of AP classes.
Lastly, students may not research or know enough information about classes to make the right decision for their well-being. There are some AP classes that cover only a little more than honors level classes, so they aren’t as challenging as students think. At that point, students are just taking the class for credit and not because of personal interest. Though, when the tides turn and it is the opposite, the difference between on-level and AP classes may hurt students a lot. If there is a major difference between AP classes and honors, and students don’t know the workload is much greater, they will not be well prepared and might have a difficult time.
Counterpoint – Mia Magone
It’s that time of year again. You hold that colored sheet of paper decorated with little boxes and class names that will build next year’s schedule. It is filled with subjects you have never gotten to learn about in school before. Psychology, computer science and cultural studies call out to you. Physics and economics classes promise a thorough understanding of how the world works. So many areas of interest, and so little class periods to fit them all in. You have to pick and choose. But all these classes are AP classes; aren’t they known for their difficulty? Would you dare to do two, three, or even five of these classes?
MCPS has been pushing involvement in AP classes, and WJ embraces this mission zealously. Posters fill the hallways, surveys are sent out to collect data and numerous clubs are dedicated to study help for these classes. The county even pays for the exams. The school board is so dedicated to supporting the AP environment for a reason: AP helps students. Not just to learn, not just to develop good study habits and not even just to give students a headstart to college and increase their GPA. AP classes allow students to explore the topics that they find interesting. It creates a passion for learning.
While AP classes tend to require more time and attention, teachers and peers alike make themselves resources for these classes. One of the most notable differences of an AP environment is the level of motivation peers have. Other people in the classroom are there because they actively want to learn, and tend to be more than willing to help when you don’t understand something. Additionally, since AP is standardized nationally, finding study resources online is easier than in an AP class’s honors or on level counterpart. On top of AP classroom and resources posted by teachers, there are YouTube and Khan Academy videos dedicated to the exact units studied in AP classes. With all the resources available, don’t let fear of burnout stop you from taking AP classes.
The spirit of AP isn’t to create harder or more work heavy classes, but instead to provide in depth classes that optimize learning retention. Just because a class is AP does not always mean it is harder than an honors class, but more detailed. You can only take so many classes during your highschool career, so don’t hold back on those subjects that speak to you.
