MOOR VS. MOOR: Are Advanced Placement (AP) Classes Beneficial to Students’ Education?

SHELLEY LIN
Staff Writer

Many high school students are indecisive on whether to take AP courses. Although AP courses are stressful and difficult, they are beneficial during the process of college applications. Challenging oneself with these kind of classes teach responsibility and provide the experience of a college-level class.

During the process of applying to colleges, students’ academic records are important. AP classes assist in meeting many private universities and Ivy League colleges’ standards as well as allowing for a weighted Grade Point Average (GPA).

Students also learn how to manage their time and juggle their responsibilities. Learning how to balance time is essential, especially when students have other core and elective courses. Not only are time management skills enhanced, but researching skills are also improved due to the abundance of schoolwork.

Despite the price of an AP exam, credits are received if students receive a passing score. This may enable a student to skip a semester or longer in college, saving money. AP courses give an opportunity to explore different academic fields, which helps in their search for a major.

Taking AP courses also influences one to become more ambitious. Being in a room with many other students who are as competitive and willing to learn could make oneself more determined to try their best. These courses impress many universities and colleges, while also enhancing skills and responsibility.

ANGELA YANG
Editor in Chief

A new school year is often accompanied by students debating which AP classes, if any, to take. AP classes may suit the ambitious student more than regular courses do and prove to be a great asset for college. However, many students now only take these classes for the GPA boost and for bragging rights on college applications rather than for truly gaining insight and perspective on the subject.

While AP classes may stimulate a student’s mind, piling on too many can also place too much stress on a student and even counteract the purpose of these classes. Oftentimes, those who are motivated to take AP classes take multiple in a school year, even up to four. As such, the focus for these students may start to shift from truly gaining knowledge to merely trying to complete their homework on time. Challenging oneself is certainly not a bad thing; however, it becomes detrimental when it starts contributing to stress, anxiety and deterioration in health (such as missing meals and lacking sleep), all of which may result in future repercussions and ailments.

AP classes have their benefits, of course, such as thought-provoking coursework and the potential to earn college credit. However, when they cause a decline in one’s wellbeing, one must evaluate if an AP class truly suits them. The pressures of AP classes, coupled with other societal and extracurricular responsibilities, may ultimately prove to be more harmful than advantageous.