As we are mid-way through fall, AP test registration is soon to arrive. For many students, this means deciding on what AP test to really prepare for and what AP test not to take. This year it seems that it is normal for students to take AP classes earlier. Some students take it so far by starting their sophomore year to get ahead in their studies, though even when there aren’t many AP classes at Mills “designate” for sophomores like AP Modern World. If they are able to take an AP, they definitely will. Is there a reason to challenge themselves? Or is it only to get ahead of the game? 

You may ask yourself, ‘AP classes, what is the point in taking them early?’ For some students, like junior Kyle Venook, it’s about pushing himself in order to grow as a student. He has taken nine AP classes in the span of three years. When asked if he only takes AP classes to get ahead, he said, “Personally, it’s not really about getting ahead. I really enjoy the challenge of classes, and I really like to feel challenged by my classes, and I would like to be able to grow in every class.” This isn’t the only case of this, as it seems that when students enter their junior year, they start taking three to four APs without having taken them in previous years.

As a current junior currently taking four AP classes, for me it definitely can be a struggle. It is my first year taking AP classes and I can really feel the change. There is much more work and there have definitely been sleepless nights and tearful days. Senior Katie Chun has taken eight AP classes total. She talks about how she deals with stress. First, she says that the biggest challenge is how quickly the material moves. Her way to success you may ask? You have to stay focused, keep up with the pace, and most importantly, don’t procrastinate. These strategies can help you stay on the path of success and more importantly help you succeed. 

However, while AP classes can help many get ahead in school, they also weigh a person down mentally. With the constant rush of turning things in, a heavy workload, and the pressure to perform just as your peers, it can easily burn you out. Though you are able to get college credit and boost your GPA up in order to look better for colleges, the stress can outweigh the benefits of really taking an AP class. If one is not careful enough, you might just lose it completely. 

So whether you are a student who likes to challenge themselves to the fullest, or someone who is working to the best of their abilities, you should do what is right for you. Be able to find that work life balance, enjoy hanging out with your friends and doing silly things. In the end, it’s not really about all these classes, though they take up a lot of time and the work is a lot more rigorous. It matters where your life is in the future. For me, as much as it is great to take AP’s to challenge yourself, make sure you know how to balance the stress. I would take Kyle’s advice: “I’m not here to get a grade. I’m here to learn subjects and prepare myself as a person for adulthood and for college.”