The Dilemma of AP Courses

By Crissy Yumul 9/9/15

 

With all the work coming from AP courses, I’m sure you’re already drained- even if it’s only the third week of school. This greatly affects your physical, mental, and emotional state; being stressed out and having sleep deprivation should be a given. Many Clark students especially with AP classes, carry a ton of (possibly unnecessary) work.

 

On top of that, we still manage to be active in sports and clubs. Don’t forget chores at home and obligations outside of school too. I like to think that these types of students are invincible, but way too stressed out to remain intact. The big question we all need a definite answer to is: Are AP courses worth it?

 

The requirements just to be enrolled in an AP class are sky high, unless you’re in the magnet program- that’s a contract you can never get out of. These classes are not environmentally friendly; you almost drown in the thousands of papers you get. How much you procrastinate and how well you work under pressure will determine your chances of surviving AP classes.

 

AP Language and Composition teacher, Mrs. Devinson believes AP courses allow students to experience a college level class firsthand. Naturally, she recommends students who want to be intellectually challenged to try it out.

 

“I think AP courses are worthwhile. AP courses are more work than honors or regular level courses, but the workload is attainable if the student is willing to make the commitment to working hard,” Ms. Devinson addressed.

 

Taking another English and Journalism teacher’s perspective on AP courses, Mr. Billings expressed his view on AP course workload using social media.

 

“@ClarkChargers ATTN: Teachers, there’s more to life than having students do AP homework until 2 am.” Mr. Billings’ tweet stated.

 

Although he had different intentions, numerous students and other twitter users shared this tweet, causing a stir within Clark. It unintentionally acted as a way to relay students’ feelings about AP courses.

 

Let’s take another view into consideration. Students in regular and honors classes, whether they want to be in AP courses or not, always see it in another light. Sophomore Johannelorae Levale

in English Honors comments, “I think they’re too hard, people have unnecessary stress over it. [But] the students in it are doing good, already trying to reach their goals this early.”

 

All in all, AP courses are a great way to enhance learning in a much more advanced setting and it helps you get ahead for college. So yes, AP courses are worth taking if you want to challenge yourself. However, the work can get overwhelming for some students to handle. A compromise can be to lessen the amount of workload and slowing the pace down just a little bit, but still have the advanced learning of an AP or Honors class. At the end of the day, it all depends if you’re determined to work hard for a better future or just cruise along until it’s time for college.