Op-Ed: Advanced Pressure | The New York Times

[@kacydeyoe9764]

Ap classes are easy when you have a good teacher. If you dont have a good ap teacher than it can be the worst decision of your highschool year.

[@Cup_of_tea424]

3 of my AP teachers don't know what the f*** they are doing.

[@danielroque7493]

That’s how it was for my AP Physics 1 teacher. He stated teaching AP level courses as a 2nd year teacher 😑

[@karensa8814]

Taking AP stat and physics is currently a regret :(

[@ThuyNguyen-lf2sm]

So true!

[@kaylnguyen]

physics 😢

[@e.t.gohome8042]

"I'm taking AP classes because I *LOVE* learning...and not to boost my GPA." -said no AP student ever

[@monsundo1376]

Lol they don't boost our GPA at my school

[@zacharywilliams2740]

E.T. Go Home. That's is so true. People don't have an intristric motivation to read, but an existric motivation.

[@mr.sunglasses1988]

I got kicked out of the ap classes at my school 😆

[@youtuber10003]

Not true. I took two AP courses online, which actually hurt my GPA because I could’ve taken AP/honors courses for Bonus credit at the school or online AP courses for no bonus (no bonus for online courses).

[@emmaaxelson7821]

Some of my AP classes I took because I was interested in the subject, like AP Environmental Science and AP Biology!

[@msnatalieho]

it's messed up how 10 years later this issue is still relevant...

[@chinanuokoli12]

For real

[@therealxenith3237]

Yea, I took 2 aps and 2 honors junior year while battling with depression and emotional abuse, this year as a senior my parents prohibited me from taking AP classes, so I only have 1 honors.

[@TheWholePizza]

I've taken both AP classes and dual enrolled college classes and I can guarantee that the actual college courses were MUCH easier

[@monsundo1376]

Finally someone being honest

[@sarahcoull669]

I agree

[@jacobhellman9181]

Me too. Way easier.

[@riana4691]

Bruh same they were so much more slowly paced

[@Lucario9d]

Claire Gehlhausen it’s also the teacher

[@candycanestripes1305]

The teacher you get play a big role in it too

[@GENIUSA1A]

This issue needs to be revisited. The College Board is a scam.

[@jessmart76543]

I've taken 6 so far and plan to take 4 more in my senior year, which will total to 10. I only go into the classes for the sake of being away from, to be honest, idiots. I want to learn and I want to learn everything in an environment that is, well, more safe for me, personally. Yes, there's stress but I love the classes. For the most part, I get too bored in normal classes if they do no pose a challenge; I need a constant flow of something new.

[@cassiclaybrook15]

I just finished my junior year of high school and I was in two AP classes: AP English III and AP US History. We had an inexperienced English teacher and our AP history teacher quit.Taking AP was the worst decision I have ever made. I was juggling AP/Honors classes and working 6 days a week. I developed a severe anxiety problem and I was so stressed. I am not signed up for any AP classes for senior year and I plan on graduating early. You don't need AP to "prove" you are smart.

[@kacydeyoe9764]

cassiclaybrook15 thankyou so much. This is exactly the situation i am in right now. I have an inexpierienced ap chrmistry teacher who doesnt actually teach us the material. Im trying to get my councelors to take me out of the class. It stresses me out and makes me want to cry. The other kids in my chem class teach themselves and understand the material and get straight a's. I try but i just cant understand what i cant visually see. I need someone to actually teach it to me. The only test i have passed in that class were the first one we did and one where i completely guessed on everything. The only reason they dont want to take me out of the class is because i have a high c. Give it a week. I have a test tomorrow, she "taught" us the material the past couple days, but she wasnt even present yesterday. I will fail that and i will fail the final for her class. If they need my grade to drop to take me out of the class, its already going to.

[@shivsoni1281]

I'm just taking all regular classes for my junior year, going to leave school and hour early, get a job, and go to work.

[@gamerguy850]

The smart student is the one who cheats the system and gets good grades

[@THEBEAST-zs2yp]

7 years later and still no alternative lmaooooo

[@onetruehitman7623]

I mean there is IB...which I am taking right now.

[@ryanjacobs836]

OneTrue Hitman I’ve heard that’s way harder.

[@randommonkey4900]

@@onetruehitman7623 isn’t that harder 💀

[@lilianegrace4048]

Ap is honestly a game where you run as fast as you can from the burning mess that is your review books.

[@Jessica-ne5pr]

My IB classes had a page of depression/suicide hotline numbers in the back of each syllabus. the classes were so stressful, they thought it'd drive kids to that point.

[@soldaliberdade13]

yikes, really?

[@Ryan-Gartland-Ryan-Gartland]

I agree wholehearted with this opinion piece.....I have lost confidence in the College Board and their 'college prep' courses. We have become obsessed with 'college prep' courses, instead of quality, effective teaching. AP courses create functionaries out of teachers, and drones out of students.

[@garrettmillard525]

For example, AP world is one of the hardest classes in our school. It's taken in 10th grade. It's a massive workload, but the content is not all that difficult. But so many people who are not ready whatsoever sign up for these courses they can't handle. You can't drop them, so yes absolutely it's important that you consult teachers about whether they think you can handle them. Otherwise AP's are not that difficult and they are have saved many people who aren't financially well off thousands upon thousands of dollars in freshman year classes in college.

[@reecefullerton4252]

At my high school Calculus AB is a prerequisite for BC, which is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard

[@asianswagr]

IB = same shit 2 years (you have the whole summer in between to get going) AP = cramming bunch of crap in less than a year they are about the same

[@burnsgaskins1986]

don't get me wrong AP's are difficult and stressful, but I can manage multiple AP's, cross country practice everyday, and get at least 5 hours of sleep.

[@SalmaAhmeditsmesalmii]

Burns Gaskins How do u do it😭

[@burnsgaskins1986]

I will admit, the AP courses I am taking have gotten significantly more difficult, but I am still managing As in all of my classes while running track. I try to do as much as I can to get ahead on the weekends and start homework as soon as I get home. Making flash cards really help you study during lunch and any free time during school. Virtually no social life :)

[@nicoparrado7766]

Burns Gaskins At least 5 hours of sleep, hahahhaha, that's too little man, good job on deteriorating your health.

[@kacydeyoe9764]

5 hours is way under the ammount your supposed to be geting

[@cindyhernandez4663]

Kacy Deyoe 5 hours is enough sleep to keep you active, anything below it is usually bad. ure doing good man, 5 hours + sports, ure getting more sleep than me despite having dropped xc n track for this year!

[@fluffyunicorn57]

A big part of the problem is that normal high school classes are not rigorous enough. If we had harder standard classes, then colleges would know that students are prepared for college without the need for AP, but instead with grade inflation everyone has a 4.0 and kids need to take tons of APs to differentiate themselves.

[@gewardknuckleberry1427]

Short Answer: Take what you like. Don't like math? Don't take AP physics.

[@claytonkramer7234]

I don't get why kids who aren't very bright feel the need to take these classes. If you can't handle a few APs, you most certainly won't be able to handle the high-level colleges you want to get into. Take what you are interested in, and let that be all.

[@imatomato2805]

**CLAP** THANK YOU! nice to see that atleast one person gets it!

[@woojinmangorice4678]

0:29 not true for all schools...ive never heard this one before actually. In fact, the first quarter in any ap class at my school is just a period to weed out those who are doing poorly already.

[@davidmansour1414]

Ok so here’s the thing: In a nutshell, YES AP classes may be stressful but it was through taking many APs that I learned time management and efficiency with the coursework only needed for the AP exam! I’m personally very blessed to come from a very competitive school district and AP classes here specifically prepare you to do well on this AP exam! I’ll say out of personal experience, I moved to the US during sophomore year, and in junior year I took AP US History, despite not knowing anything, and now I got a 4 on that exam! It’s more about the work ethic you portray. And yes, I do agree that you should take what you like because AP US History was a struggle for me but I took AP Biology solely because I wanna major in it and I had an amazing teacher who taught us so much

[@DoctorYammy]

I've taken AP Biology in 11th grade, and now as a Senior, I'm taking AP Physics and AP Psychology. AP courses are hard, but not as hard as you would expect. They are only hard for one reason: you have to learn a lot of information in a year or less. You have to cramp a whole chapter in a week or so, plus all the information that goes with it. If you like an AP class, then it will not be challenging AT ALL. I'm going to be a doctor, so AP Biology was fun and easy.

[@gissellebv]

Did you end up being a doctor?

[@zuroxtv2199]

Well 9 years later, are you a doctor?

[@DoctorYammy]

@@gissellebv @ZuroxTV Wow I forgot I even wrote this lmao 9 years later after working endlessly towards my goal I am happy to say that I am a second-year medical student at an MD school (FIU HWCOM in Florida). I faced a lot of challenges and failures to make it INTO medical school, but I did not give up and I am successfully rocking all my classes. I want this to be a testament of my 9-year journey thus far :)

[@DoctorYammy]

@@zuroxtv2199 Tried to tag you but failed lol

[@zuroxtv2199]

Doctor Yammy that’s so exciting congratulations! I’m taking AP bio right now my test is on Monday!

[@DoctorYammy]

I just took all AP sciences. This comment was written 2 years ago, so now I'm in college. I'm on my second year of college and I have taken General Chemistry 1 and 2, Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, Biochemistry, and Biology 1 and 2.... including any other classes on the side (3 and a half years of my studies completed in 2). Passed all course with nothing less than a B+. It just takes dedication and hard work. You got that, just keep moving forward.

[@AT-gz4ej]

I have taken ap human geography ap world history ap European history ap us history ap lang ap environmental science ap biology ap macro econ ap micro econ ap us gov ap physics ap lit dual enrollment socio dual enrollment art appreciation dual enrollment anatomy dual enrollment college algebra (got 5's on all my ap exams) people exaggerate the difficulty of ap classes. watching these videos makes it seem scary when it really isn't.

[@33doglover1]

It's also important to take into consideration the fact that a lot of these students are also spending time on extracurricular activities. A lot of students who are drawn to AP classes are also drawn to school clubs, sports, volunteering, jobs, internships, ect...

[@neallucas]

How in the world, you got all 5's for all Ap classes doesn't make too sense.

[@AT-gz4ej]

Neal Lucas idk

[@camh1145]

based on your profile picture, you look like you haven't been to high school in a while, and the education system has changed drastically since then. I'm in AP classes and the stress placed on AP students is unhealthy.

[@AT-gz4ej]

***** not my fault. Issues with my transcript when I moved. I move a lot. I should have been in calc.

[@Juliabeach]

We're allowed to drop but we have to sign a contract saying that we won't kill ourselves.

[@tannerstockton8207]

It is way harder during COVID-19 times.

[@reecefullerton4252]

I took 5.5 AP classes my senior year. Literature, Calc BC, Physics 1, Pyschology, Biology, and US Government. I played varsity soccer in the fall and varsity tennis in the spring. I managed to get at least a 4 in all of my AP tests, be in student council, be a member of NHS, and still have a social life. I had a lot on my plate, but miraculously, I still managed to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and I stayed stress-free virtually the entire year. My secret? Don’t procrastinate, get ahead, and stay positive. It will be hard, but always think to yourself that it will all be worth it in the long run.

[@randommonkey4900]

Can you go more in-depth on how you were able to manage your time

[@AR-dn9ej]

From my experience people just need to find a way to manage their time effectively and not make up reasons why they can’t do things. I played 3 varsity sports in high school and on a typical night I get home at around 7 pm. I took 4 AP classes last year (AP stats, AP calc, AP US history, and AP physics) and I had no problem getting enough sleep. I would get home and work for 2 or 3 hours and get to bed around ten and I get 8 hours of sleep. This is not an issue about course difficultly, it is an issue about work ethic.

[@Relala]

I took AP and swim and workout 17 hours a week, play in the orchestra, do chess, and work a part-time job??? It's not that bad??

[@uahatoxicboi9801]

So your saying that I won’t lose sleep if I take AP?

[@griffin2002]

@@uahatoxicboi9801 if you manage your time properly then yeah you'll be fine

[@randommonkey4900]

@@uahatoxicboi9801 tbh it depends on what APs

[@sergio597]

I took AP world history for the boost and some core elective I might need in legs but I took psychology because Im going into that field and really find it interesting.

[@NinjaNegra101]

Atleast taking 1 ap class can help you tremendously once you're applying to colleges. Out of my 4 highschool years I took 7 ap courses but that bummed me out through those years. Sure they were worth it but in a way it ruined my highschool experience.

[@yuricaptinprice3917]

+ThisIsNameIsSoClever stfu

[@shayharris6544]

+ThisIsNameIsSoClever depends on the school you went to

[@Cup_of_tea424]

I chose AP Lit because I loved to read and analyze writing. I love to read. I took AP Macro, AP Calc, and AP Chem because I wanted to boost my GPA... It instead made it fall. What I took from this experiance is that if my kid EVER wants to take an AP course, I will only allow 2 that they enjoy.

[@ethanwho_]

i only take so many ap classes for the college credit not the gpa boost what 😭

[@reginaldvaughn6595]

im signed up for 5 ap classes this upcoming school year 🙃

[@sandrarivera1262]

Almost ten years later, and not much has changed😓

[@asianswagr]

APs? ur sleeping pattern's gonna change

[@copyglow]

I'm taking 8 AP courses in 11th/12th grade. If you've been in any of these courses I could use some advice: AP Chemistry AP Physics 1 AP Calculus AB AP English Language AP Psychology AP US Government AP US History AP English Literature

[@DK-vo7jw]

JourneyousJC apush easy...ap phys hard...ap chem hard...psych middle...gov easy

[@memphisgrizzlies3398]

weirdo

[@emjay9458]

I could use some advice from someone taking 8 AP classes.

[@randommonkey4900]

@@emjay9458 lol

[@randommonkey4900]

Um now that you’ve taken them can you tell us how hard they were

[@heyo8674]

The problem only blossomed since then to the point that AP is basically a cornerstone of US highschool education with hundreds of thousands of students taking AP per year, and it's a shame that this is pretty much the only coverage on AP I've seen in the American education debate in a couple years.

[@randommonkey4900]

Big factor not talker about is the amount of APs/how many, cuz once you hit the 4 mark is when it starts getting hard

[@Azbazzer]

This is exaggerated in my opinion

[@alanisnavas6323]

It’s crazy how in some schools ap classes are extremely hard and in others it’s not even though it’s all the same test

[@joshyyylopezzz8089]

literally wtf?! When I heard the girl say that they had to sign contracts aBt not dropping the AP, I lost it

[@camilacalvet474]

School is not for you to learn... is a time to do anything to look good for college or to do good on standardized tests

[@chessbug3]

i'm in 3 AP classes, and i've heard people from other places say that our AP classes are ten times harder than the AP classes in other places. Yeah, it's hell. Yeah, you need to do it to get into a competitive college.

[@masonhill5167]

I don’t know what this girl is talking about when she said you aren’t able to drop any AP class... 2 people in my APUSH class alone dropped it.

[@memphisgrizzlies3398]

it depends on your school and counselors

[@huhyunjoy]

well I’m in A.P and I’m fine with it...

[@tyler89557]

Colleges: We're going to offer you college credit. Sometimes. We can't have you skipping a whole year, because then we wouldn't get that tuition. Collegeboard: You're going to get college credit. Don't worry. Wait, end AP? But $80-90 per test. We're nonprofit guys.

[@prskyguy]

I went to Howard and USC in LA and i didnt take a single AP course in high school.

[@jacobhellman9181]

What advanced classes were offered at your school?

[@prskyguy]

It wasn't required when i graduated high school in 93. I think at best I took 3 honors classes. I scored an 1130 out of 1600 on my SAT and I graduated high school with a 3.4 GPA (weighted) so i was average at best. The secret now is to apply into a major that is not popular then transfer into your major choice. Its risky however once you are a student in the university, you get priority for enrollment into the major you really want. Example: my very good friend Liz applied to be a Chicana Studies major and in our first year she took her Gen Ed. courses. Her GPA was good enough and she was able to transfer into the School of Communications. At that point your High School transcript does not matter because it isn't even considered. That gave her time to meet faculty and volunteer in the TV studio on campus and work as a tech on film projects. If she would have applied to be a communications major right from the start, she would have been competing with thousands of kids for limited spots and would not be admitted (we shared the same high school GPA and she scored 1000 on her SAT.) In the meantime she was one of only about 30 kids in the Chicana Studies major. I applied to 9 schools and got into 8 with my scores and GPA and I only took the SAT once. I never took any AP classes nor did I take any subject tests. I got into Florida state, University of South Florida, Temple University, Howard University, Southern Methodist University, University of Miami, University of Hartford, and Florida A&M University. I did not get into the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. Good luck!

[@prskyguy]

We had all the honors and AP courses available. I just never took any. I focused on extra carricular's and doing well in my regular classes. That was it. I loved high school because i wasn't stressed out.

[@randommonkey4900]

@@prskyguy never thought about that

[@jocelynvelasquez8931]

So if you are going to be a doctor, what AP classes did you take? Was it only biology or was it more?

[@DeepSeas..]

Jocelyn Velasquez Chem, calculus, physics, English and bio will help prepare you.

[@sonicx7410]

In reality just take ap bio,chem, and maybe calculus. Then just take honors physics and or calculus cuz medical majors tend to rely on more scientific topics then math or math based science

[@randommonkey4900]

You just need the sciences and probably Maths to go along with them also this comments from 9 years ago

[@NobodyInParticuIar]

Yeah...good for you!

[@juliegray8017]

Advanced Placement courses are designed so that students are able to get a grasp at what college courses are like, but these courses are in fact doing more harm than good. Students are forgetting the purpose of these courses, but instead pushing themselves so much that they are in pain. Some students don’t get the adequate amount of sleep on should on a daily basis, which hinders their REM cycle, which can have adverse effects in both the short and long run. High school students are also missing out on actually learning the material. Since the couse is designed to test students at the end of the school year, they are forced to move at a faster rate to cover all material and end up trying to keep up with class that they forget to take the time to absorb the material. Often the mindset is to retain as much as possible until the exam and forget it immediately afterwards. This hinders their learning as they go into college, they forget the material that is supposed to guide them to their next level courses.

[@randommonkey4900]

Yep and most schools won’t offer an advanced option if there’s an AP already there which sucks

[@swicheroo1]

I did quite a few AP courses in high school during the late 80's. It was truly college prep work. We prepped the actual exam at the end of the second semester. And you never bought prep materials. But as a college professor, I find that the AP actually teaches a mode of learning that is antithetical to the various disciplines. So, for instance, my colleagues in History reported to me that incoming freshmen with 5's in the AP's often were just really good regurgitators but couldn't think critically. Math profs found the same to be true--just good at algorithmic calculation, not theory. As an English prof, I couldn't say much. My school was elite and all the students came in with AP English.

[@abilestial]

This is the problem with the education system, students are focused on their grades and not with the intake of learning. We have to get through a certain unit within a time range. It honestly sucks, I find myself learning better when I take my time 😕.

[@boo3474]

I have taken 6 APs from freshman year to junior year and I am taking 7 ap next year for my senior year. I can honestly say I hate them and haven’t been learning anything just memorizing to pass the class as a GPA boost, after I have finished a class I don’t retain any info and just focus on the next set of AP classes for the next year. This system should be done away with it is such a scam, also how can college board call themselves non profit when they make millions each year!!! It’s a scam standardize tests are a scam AP tests are a scam the college application process is a scam everything even college is a scam I’m tired of this!! They take advantage of everyone!! Standardized and AP testing are the biggest scam, people from low income families have less resources at hand as well (I am from a low income family and see my rich friends with tutors and books that I do not get to have ) this is so unfair!! Standardized and AP test Unlevel the playing field even more. COLLEGE SHOULD BE FREE wtf how do we have all this money and can’t make education accesible to everyone. I honestly only take AP s to have a batter shot at college and to get in but I hate them and I should be wanting to kms everyday because of them.

[@honzasebera2688]

So if you are saying that it's a scam then why are you still taking them ?

[@boo3474]

@@honzasebera2688 This is real life so I have to deal with it! People will always have different disadvantages

[@tyler89557]

Me: Took 2 AP classes sophomore year (AP World and Chem), got a 5 on both Took 3 more AP classes in Junior year (Lang, APUSH, and Physics I), got an average score of 4 Now I'm taking 5 AP classes (Lit, Calc, Gov, Bio, Environmental science) plus honors French IV (would have been 6 AP classes, but school decided not to do AP french) And... I hate myself. Thank you for listening to my TED Talk, I'm going to go back to smashing my head into my textbooks before healing myself with calculus.

[@uahatoxicboi9801]

I’m a freshman they only offer AP to juniors and seniors. Will I have to stay up at midnight if I take AP classes?

[@tyler89557]

@@uahatoxicboi9801 Depends on how much work your teachers give. And how much you procrastinate. Should be fine up until the actual AP exams as long as you have a decent work ethic.

[@uahatoxicboi9801]

@@tyler89557 Thanks so much for replying. Can you give me an example of a teacher assigning a lot of work?

[@tyler89557]

@@uahatoxicboi9801 The most I remember having was for WHAP, where we would have to read through chapters of the book and take notes on them, on top of everything else done during/after class. Every unit test we would have a folder full of work to turn in, and I think there were like 6 of those (since some units were melded into others) But really it's all subjective and depends on what you're able to handle.

[@uahatoxicboi9801]

@@tyler89557 I really appreciate you replying. Take care of yourself.

[@RANDINTMCR3U3]

No, it does not add up. All it matters, is to download some university textbooks, and read it on your own. By the time I graduate, I will have AP Calculus AB, and I have been told that the test is so easy (90%+ of the people who take it in our school get a 5). I do not know if this still have any real value as a university course. I now know the true face of AP and should not be over-emphasizing it.

[@randommonkey4900]

How was it

[@vlKenzo]

If you cant walk over a few AP's, you have a problem. I'm not trying to brag in any way, but I took 5 last year, and this year as well. Sure i may lose a few hours of sleep here and there, but I have never felt physically incapable of doing daily activities.

[@yuricaptinprice3917]

Well good for you. Not.

[@J0HnNyX]

all of you are brainwashed

[@anthonylarocco573]

My advice is to take the Honors/Advanced Placement in the areas you are interested in and the irrelevant ones just do the regular classes. For instance, an engineering major does not need AP English or a political science major does not need AP Chemistry or an accounting major does not need AP French.

[@randommonkey4900]

We only have advanced up to a certain point then it’s only AP or on level or OnRamps which is similar to ap leading to a lack of options I wish there were honors courses at my school 11th-12th a good sweet spot between AP and on level

[@alisosa9836]

AP classes aren’t even that hard, most kids can slack off and still do fine

[@memphisgrizzlies3398]

stfu

[@plumeater9119]

Nah it’s true I’m almost done with AP world and I really haven’t payed attention all that often I occasionally read the chapters sometimes do my work. It was only stressful when the ap test was coming up.

[@randommonkey4900]

@@plumeater9119 yo I have my whap ap test coming up got any advice

[@plumeater9119]

@@randommonkey4900 know the big concepts and what their importance meant for the world first, then focus on how they lead to other events happening. If you’re looking for a 5 then you can go into the ultra specifics.

[@randommonkey4900]

@@plumeater9119 aight but if I understand the concepts I’ll be fine I assume for a 4

[@milesstern5285]

Some people are worse than others or better than others in terms of work ethic/intelligence/support/free time. If you push those boundaries too much and take a class you can't handle, then you're obviously screwing yourself over. This is just a first world problem.

[@kenlandon6130]

Lot of this has been reformed since 2013. especially ap biology. it is way, way watered down now and is far more reasoning based now. A lot of this is BS. Not all AP classes are created equal, and some are total jokes.

[@knowlesitalls7600]

If you can't handle it don't take AP that's the whole gimick you are given the option to take a higher level course and if you do well it looks good if you don't too bad

[@SleekGreek]

Ngl, AP Classes are about 8 hours worth of barron's book reading if you want a 5. If you want to actually learn, that depends on your teacher, but if you're trying to get a 5, they're a non issue. If you're trying to boost your GPA? That's the teachers problem, not the course itself. The content is more than manageable. Collegeboard doesn't decide if your teacher will be the variety of clown that slams you with HW...

[@swicheroo1]

Excessive homework does seem to be the real complaint. Passing the actual AP really only means getting one semester of college level material. So AP Bio, which is taught over the course of a year, really translates into credit for a 10 week class that meets 4-6 hours a week. That's 40-60 hours of lecture based instruction. Pretty easy for a smart kid. But that said, most high school students aren't really up to it. And the mechanics of teaching doesn't really prepare you for the rigors of the actual discipline. As a college professor, I find that a 5 on the AP means that you've developed bad habits--and misconceptions--about the discipline.

[@GokuBlack-yg5kc]

I'm in 2 AP's (AP Physics and AP World), and in the Swim Team and Soccer Team. I had a 3.9 GPA and honestly, it is hard, but not AS hard as other people (this video) say

[@averylcobb6110]

Taking an ap class in a subject you don’t like/aren’t good at is the recipe for disaster. The exams force quality learning and all depend on the teachers you get

[@mongoose1234567890]

I couldn't agree with you more, BrainSponge. Based on years of personal observation and experience, it seems most of my classmates have absolutely no real reason why they're taking AP classes. I feel as if they're only doing AP classes simply to impress colleges. I always believed that AP classes should only be to those students who actually have a genuine interest in the subjects they're taking.

[@tommy.galvan]

Do you guys think taking 3 AP classes is too much? (AP Lang, APUSH, and AP Bio)

[@Jaden1249]

Are you interested in those subject? If so talk to your counselor or pray about it ( do this first). Have a good day

[@randommonkey4900]

Nah that’s manageable

[@rebia5542]

Hahahahha in my highschool: I NEED MORE SO CLASSES WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN ONLY TAKE 2 MY FRESHMAN YEAR OF HIGHSCHOOL?!?!?!?!?!?!? I NEED A 5.0 GPA

[@tyler89557]

My school doesn't even offer a single AP class to freshmen.

[@randommonkey4900]

@@tyler89557 not even ap human or ap computer science principals

[@tyler89557]

@@randommonkey4900 Those don't exist at my school (at least as far as I know, since I graduated)

[@randommonkey4900]

@@tyler89557 oh

[@panicxpop]

I'm an APWH student and I get enough sleep. Why? I simply don't do any homework :)

[@randommonkey4900]

Same lmao

[@anonymusperson6952]

Lmao this is so meee. We're about to rap up this entire year, and I'm gonna get a B or maybe a C this semester because my teacher only includes hw in our citizenship grade. 🤣

[@blaineyeamlak]

Do dual enrollment if your district allows it because and you get three credits per class at no cost! It'll save you thousands and will jumpstart your college career!

[@randommonkey4900]

I was stuck between that and AP Lang but ultimately chose AP Lang cuz my writing speed needs some work and I heard it actually helps

[@Mr._Y2666]

STOP complaining about AP! Can’t handle it? Don’t choose it! It is ur responsibility to choose a class that is fit for you!!!

[@stephen.]

Never take AP Psych and APUSH in the same year having them on the same day because it's not fun 💀💀

[@nhp6488]

Stephen so happy i did ap psych sophomore year and i'll just struggle with apush next year

[@stephen.]

Nahyla Pacha It depends on the teacher for APUSH. My teacher assigns a lot of chapter outline notes that are 7 to 10 pages with maybe 15 and up pages to read. Out last packet is next week, I'm so happy

[@cindyhernandez4663]

Nahyla Pacha its a ton of hw bc it’s a lot of content, but depending on your teacher, it’s a worthwhile class( in my experience, i adore history)

[@nathanthelibertarian1406]

Viktoria Hodson same

[@likhita5591]

The thing is these admissions counselors tell us to challenge ourselves with hard courses. And in this video, they tell us that they are doing us a disservice, but when I saw the Stanford application video my blood literally boiled. This lady was telling the audience that 3 AP courses are light even though he got 5s on them and a good SAT score and had quality extracurriculars. My highschool classes felt like they were geared toward college APs. I can tell you I have only taken 2 AP out of interest out of the 6 APs I took. The rest I took because of college or because I did not want to take that class ever again.

[@lynncai587]

Sure, AP classes could be challenging, but having some sort of noncompete agreement? That's pretty messed up on a whole new level.

[@GokuBlack-yg5kc]

I wonder if a kid who takes CP classes all of high school, has a 4.0 GPA for all 4 years (Because they're so easy), studies enough to get a 1550-1600 on the SAT and a 35-36 on the ACT, could get accepted to a school like MIT, Caltech, an Ivy League, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, etc.

[@arjunraman3430]

nope

[@Johnxxxxxxx]

That’s literally me and none of that happened lmfao

[@ReversePrimeOFFICIAL]

And we still have to wake up at 5:30

[@nathanthelibertarian1406]

They think their workloads are bad. This year I’m taking... AP Research AP Seminar AP Art History AP Biology AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP Chinese Language and Culture AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition AP Environmental Science AP European History AP French Language and Culture AP German Language and Culture AP Comparative Government and Politics AP U.S. Government and Politics AP Human Geography AP Italian Language and Culture AP Japanese Language and Culture AP Latin AP Macroeconomics AP Microeconomics AP Music Theory AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism AP Physics C: Mechanics AP Psychology AP Spanish Language and Culture AP Spanish Literature and Culture AP Statistics AP Studio Art: Drawing AP Studio Art: 2-D Design AP Studio Art: 3-D Design AP U.S. History AP World History *I only get 25 hours of homework per night it’s fine*

[@guardianknight5842]

This looks like every AP class available

[@nathanthelibertarian1406]

guaridan knight yeah I’m a real overachiever lol

[@stewart2759]

smh not taking AP Sharpie Sniffing

[@nathanthelibertarian1406]

rom-dealer took that last year.

[@cookiesareyum1043]

Hmm calc ab and calc bc in the same year????? 💀💀💀💀

[@VinOnline]

I've taken 14 AP Classes.

[@getbeaned1576]

Weird. My school let's you drop an AP if you're not doing well. Maybe it's a private vs. public school thing? Since schools like mine are self-sufficient and don't have to meet the criteria that public ones do, I guess they're more lenient about moving to easier classes. Dunno.

[@rebia5542]

I surprisingly really like advanced classes and do take some simply cus I want to learn more and am interested in the class but ofc not all of them like history but I do feel pressured into taking classes such as ap world history and economics to get a higher gpa and be more competitive. It sucks because you can't focus on the things you really like...

[@DoctorYammy]

Florida Atlantic University :) Money is tight and it's local, so I took whatever came my way lol

[@justinyo905]

A lot of stress

[@cheeseman6844]

I agree, less students should take AP.

[@manasaprasad1616]

10 years later... has much changed? I think it does depend on teachers also though..

[@22tennisstar]

I felt it was terrible, quality was there but the speed was terrible. College was soooo much easier!!!!!!!

[@TheRagdollMasta]

Ya know what AP means? Absolutely Pointless

[@Tonks1967]

So if college no longer offer credit for A.P. courses then way take the one you really don't enjoy. Yes take the A.P. courses you enjoy!!!! My son in the 5th gr. He take High school math in the summer only because he enjoys math. Why?? I do not now. But Its my job as his mom to help him do what he likes.

[@gissellebv]

Tonks1967 is he is college now ?

[@randommonkey4900]

@@gissellebv id assume so

[@nigelsukhnandan6528]

Dam you can't drop it my school has papers outside the classrooms we got to sign to drop it

[@vivianhir3930]

OMG MY ATDP TEACHER MR.CHUGH!

[@empressegg279]

Almost a decade later and it’s still the same...

[@myrobotisgas]

It’s not that serious, if someone can do it than so can you. Stop complaining and just do it. You’re lucky if you even get the chance to do it

[@sportingdirector1]

This could've been true in 2024

[@shivani2434]

I mean you have a choice where in my place you have no choice just do it and shut up about it

[@ThuyNguyen-lf2sm]

AP classes are only good if high school teachers are as knowledgeable as college professors! Most of them don’t! AP students are ,therefore, suffering!

[@circlesarentcool]

What college?

[@MeowingWhale]

Over reaction at its finest here!

[@momonz7656]

My school is easy I guess bc I took 10 APs and the only difficult one was Latin lmao

[@TheBrainSponge]

I've been in 7 AP classes. I don't take them because I feel like I have to to get into college, I take them because I'm interested in those subjects and I want a class that's fast-paced and has kids who are more serious in them. I love the AP program, it's not as bad as videos like this would lead you to believe and it allows you to actually LEARN something in school.

[@bd3825]

Sounds stupid to me. The whole schooling system that pumps "knowledge" in children that they'll never use. Follow your passion is not a cliche.

[@manuelmontiel123]

I took science AP back in High School and i pass that madafakaa!!

[@caseytran4451]

This video is a bit dramatic. I am doing ok with all the pressures and I know many others who are too. My weighted GPA is 4.8 right now, and I'm proud of it, and I'm learning a lot, and working hard, and I still get 8hours of sleep a night.

[@e.t.gohome8042]

Any time management tips and details? Like how many APs you're taking, what time you get home, start HW, time you go to bed, # of hours spent on HW? Could really use some advice though I feel like its just my own procrastination and poor time management skills that leads to my problems. Thanks!

[@monsundo1376]

Focus on your unweighted GPA. It's more important if your going the college admission route (with the exception of a few schools).

[@ivanh.1803]

College and their views on GPA is based on rigor. Admission will more likely take student who had a 3.3 unweighted, with all Honors/AP/IB classes over a student who took a less rigorous course load but earned a 3.9 unweighted.