Summer has drawn to a close, and school is in full swing.
For a select number of students, the inclusion of advanced courses into their daily schedules might bring a gray hair or two with their education. It has to make one wonder: is going above and beyond in taking these classes worth it?
There are a few obvious benefits, says Ms. Cromer, who teaches Honors English 11. “Students with AP and/or honors courses on their transcripts are more desirable because it shows they have done more challenging coursework, and suggests a student is more ready for college.”
For sophomore Kinsley Owens, the classes come with their fair share of pros and cons. “You’re getting ahead and gaining necessary skills for the future,” she said, “but the stress that students find themselves under can take a toll on their bodies, with sickness or tiredness, and make it even harder to focus on class because they constantly think about what work needs to be done for other classes.”
As a student taking a slew of classes including AP Psychology, AP Seminar, Honors Algebra II, and Chemistry, Owens knows this stress personally, but manages to see its merits.
“It is still worth it to me because I am so ahead,” Owens clarified. “Also, I feel like taking harder classes teaches me perseverance because I have learnt not to give up when it gets harder.”
The stress is only natural, says junior Ethan Viner, who takes AP Biology, U.S History to 1877, and Honors English 11 — as well as Human Biology, which is provided through MCC.
“While in AP Classes and Honors, I sometimes find myself struggling to find time to complete my assignments,” he admits, “but when I think to myself that this is all to help me advance further as a learner and student, that’s what makes it worth it for me.”
Students require determination to succeed, AP Seminar and Journalism teacher Ms. Rauenbuehler agrees.
“Honors and AP courses should be open to all students,” Ms. Rauenbuehler says, “but the ones that seem to thrive the most are ultimately ones who want to learn and have a strong work ethic.”
Not only does this perseverance prepare students for college, but it also opens more pathways for them to get there in the first place.
“College expenses have gotten so out of control,” says Ms. Cromer. “I think a large portion of students are looking to earn free college credit or more chances for scholarships through challenging courses.”
Many students in advanced classes seem to be bound for post-secondary education. Between rising college expenses and selective institutes, Owens’ mindset of “getting ahead” seems to hold a worthy prize.
“Students think advanced courses will make them look better when applying for college,” says Ms. Schlabowske, who teaches a multitude of science classes — among them, AP Environmental Science. But, in recognition of the stress of the course, she says, “If a student does not know their limit and their grades drop because of it, then they will not look good.”
Viner agrees with this sentiment, citing his plans after high school. “I take AP classes because I want to make it into a good college,” he says. “I’d like to continue my studies to earn a master’s degree in my chosen field of study.”
But advanced coursework often comes with a caveat: the preparation. AP classes in particular seldom allow any student in — most have a prerequisite, or a class that must be taken before the advanced class can be added to one’s schedule. By the time a student reaches the AP or Honors level, they might find themselves facing burnout or a learned fear of failure.
The student interviewees both shed light on the subject, highlighting their experiences from their own schooling.
“I am definitely a perfectionist,” Owens says, “and I can spiral when I do not get a score I deem as ‘worthy’.” There’s a need to achieve better grades because my peers are also high-achieving. Even though we all support each other, there is some feeling of competition to see who can earn the highest score.”
“These classes can be mentally draining, physically exhausting, and emotionally tiring,” Viner says, but there is a silver lining: “If you just put in the effort and try your hardest, you will make it through.”
This optimism, despite the challenges of the coursework, is a sentiment shared by students and teachers alike. So, the question remains: are these classes worth taking?
The answer seems to be up to you, reader! If you’re willing to step up to the plate and take on assignments to the best of your ability, advanced classes may be the best fit for you. All you need is determination and a positive outlook: the mentality that when the going gets tough, pushing forward will be the only way to go.
After all, as Ms. Rauenbuehler says, “Work ethic often supersedes talent.”