“Individually, it’s doable. When you are taking multiple APs that all require the same workload, it adds up,” said junior Zoe Sauvagnargues. Sauvagnargues is a student who takes four APs, which is the case for many students on the AP track. The workload of AP students sometimes has been too much for students to take, especially for students that are involved with more than one AP. The excessive workload is to prepare students for the exam, as well as college.
“I think AP exams are well made, with almost all material being taught in the course,” said junior Louis Flowers. AP exams are roughly three hours long and meant to test your knowledge on a year-long course.
The pressure to do well both in the class and on the exam causes students concerning amounts of stress. According to Research Gate, over 80% of students claim that AP classes cause them stress. Unfortunately, students who often take AP classes are usually associated with the risk of depression from the levels of stress they’re under.
“Sometimes, it depends on how much work we have and what class,” said sophomore Julia Cort. Harbinger calls AP students’ lives a “balancing act” between school, social lives, sports and sometimes a profession. It’s hard to balance it all and students are expected not to crack under the pressure of such a busy life. The pressure for students to excel in high school in order to be a successful adult drives many to get good grades and juggle everything.
Factors like stress on adolescents, crushing AP exams and time commitment all make AP classes a responsibility that should not be overlooked. Regardless of the cons of taking AP classes, many people recommend taking classes on things you’re interested in pursuing in a professional setting. Some students enjoy the academic challenge and some feel the need to take AP classes in order to succeed.
