At Issaquah High School, there is a problematically undisguised expectation for students to take AP course(s) as soon as they are able. This expectation mostly derives from peer pressure, family standards, and the obsessive need to get into college. Wherever it may come from, it is a problem that many students are facing that must be resolved.
There are nearly 40 advanced placement classes available to high school students. With such an expansive variety of options, students are led to believe that they must take at least one. There are definitely pros to taking AP classes, but many overwork themselves with a schedule busting full of AP classes, extracurriculars, homework, and daily necessities. This can lead to immense regret of taking AP classes and decrease in students’ mental health. Best Colleges says, “Carefully consider your course load each semester when deciding how many AP courses to take. Attempting too many challenging classes at once can lead to burnout and frustration, negatively affecting your GPA and even mental health.” If overloading oneself will lower your mental wellbeing, which can consequentially lower your GPA, which impacts your future, it is hard to see why anyone would take more AP classes than they have time for.
There is already an excessive load of homework given to students on a regular basis. According to Smoke Signals, “With the stress of college admissions and the pressure to take AP classes, many students are crammed with homework and studying. Students in America are receiving an average of 6.8 hours of homework per week. Studies show that over 2 hours of homework each night is counterproductive and can actually damage a student’s performance. One AP class is equivalent to about one hour of homework each night.” If a student is taking more than one AP class, they will have at least an hour of homework daily. Furthermore, if a student is not interested in their AP course, their homework load will be much more excruciating.
Students at IHS have a history of taking more AP courses than they can handle, overloading themselves with advanced classes that pile on loads of projects, quizzes, and worksheets daily. It is stressful and difficult to meet deadlines, take sufficient notes, study effectively, and still have time for yourself. However, there are advantages to taking such difficult classes. Taking AP classes can positively affect your chances of admission to good colleges. According to AP Central, “Students who take AP courses send a signal to colleges that they’re serious about their education and that they’re willing to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework. 85 percent of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions.” This makes AP classes quite a bit more worthwhile. However, one may wonder if it is worth the cost of decreased mental health.
Additionally, more and more colleges are moving their focus outside of solely grades. The value of an A has since decreased, until it represents barely more than a letter on a transcript, instead of hours of intense studying and hard work, inside and outside of school. Recently, colleges have been diverting their attention to how students participate in social events, extracurriculars, and school communities, which few have time for, let alone energy for, trying to balance their AP workload. With students taking AP classes that absorb time like a sponge, there is no way students can fit sports, clubs, and volunteering into their schedules. This makes taking a comprehensive advanced class seem inconsequential.
Needless to say, AP classes can get you college credit, which is a huge advantage in your later years in life. According to Best Colleges, “By skipping intro classes, you can reduce the total amount of time spent pursuing your degree. Eliminating a semester or more of college classes can save you a lot of money in tuition and allows you to move more rapidly into graduate school or a career.” However, only some selective universities accept this college credit. Be sure to check whether your planned university will credit you for your efforts!
Students at IHS are pressured into taking AP classes, and without actual interest in the subject, AP courses become nearly impossible to manage. Students must manage their time and schedules efficiently to keep their grades and mental health up. The ridiculous expectation for students to take numerous AP classes is one that should be diminished entirely. Never take more advanced classes than you have time, or mental capacity for!
