“Taking classes and exams can help students get ahead in high school and college,” according to the College Board. With such a strong emphasis on taking AP classes and AP exams, students can feel both motivated to take the exams and also some pressure.
“I feel like [there’s] definitely an emphasis on taking advantage of these classes,” said Judy Soto, a recent HEHS graduate. “Otherwise, you might have thoughts about not going to college, but it’s definitely not true.”
Ayesha Fatima, sophomore, agrees: “I feel like AP exams are a little more stressful.”
AP classes can offer an opportunity to improve skills and work towards earning college credit, but also they can create some stress for students. “I don’t think there should be pressure to take AP [classes],” said Sachlin Kour, sophomore.
“AP exams are a bonding moment, trauma bonding,” says Evelina Henning, sophomore.
“Collectively, everyone’s in one room just worrying about their future, worrying about the same thing, stressing over the same thing,” continued Henning and Julia Worek, sophomores.
Often AP classes are seen as the only way to get ahead, but that is not always the case.
“Sometimes it can be perceived as a deciding factor, but it doesn’t really matter as long as your GPA is good,” said Soto. ”Dual credits and honors exist, and I feel like a lot of people think that the only credit you get from college is scoring a perfect five, but there’s so many classes that I have taken that were [semester classes], and they’re going to get me so much ahead in college.”
Generally people agree that it is a beneficial idea to explore other options outside of AP exams.
“I feel like dual credit does benefit a bit more than AP in my opinion,” said Kayla Labbe, junior. “There are also extracurriculars, activities, [and sports] you could do, like AAPI.”
Soto agrees that dual credit is the best option if you just want to be cost effective It also would just be easier to make it through without too much stress like with the AP exams.
“Dual credit gets your application to look good, they see that, and it helps by giving you the opportunity to skip language classes and other classes in college,” said Ruth Arcos, administrative assistant in student services. “It is more flexible than AP [classes].”
Dual credit has its advantages, but so do AP exams.
“It’s good to take AP [classes]. It shows colleges that you’re willing to take on challenges, so it’s good,” said Kour. “If you have a good study tactic, you should be fine,” said Henning.
“AP is more accessible to people possibly because of [scheduling] issues,” said Fatima. “AP is [a good option] if you’re someone unable to take a dual credit.”
When it comes time to choose classes, students are encouraged to explore more options “instead of just only AP because AP is not the only option you have here; we have many options,” said Worek.
