Many students find themselves trying to cram in as many advanced classes as possible to increase their chances of attending a top college and being successful post-high school. But is their effort worth all the blood, sweat, and tears?
To get real-life perspectives on the matter, the Chronicle talked to upperclassmen who dropped out of challenging classes and learned how the decision impacted their academic journey.
A significant amount of students enroll in AP classes because of peer pressure. Seeing classmates and friends taking advanced classes often pushes individuals to follow suit, even if they are not interested in the subject or on the same level academically.
“The pressure in this area to succeed and be better than everyone else is just insane,” senior Mackenzie Danzig said. In Silicon Valley, due to the abundance of top-tier universities and high schools, students are constantly compared with the best of the best. This forces students into stressful achievement-driven environments which often leads to a disregard for well-being in order to reach seemingly impossible standards.
“There’s always gonna be kids taking more AP classes than you,” junior Jeremy Wen said.
“The only reason you should take an AP is because you like the subject and you really want to learn it,” AP Computer Science teacher Terence Barton said. “You know it’s hard, but you want to do it, and you’re signing up for that challenge.”
“I’m taking the AP classes I’m taking this year because I genuinely enjoy them, and I like the content I’m learning,” Danzig said. She began her sophomore year enrolled in AS Algebra II, having done well in Geometry the previous year, but found it overwhelmingly difficult. “I ended up really struggling in it and not getting the help I needed from the teacher,” Danzig said. She chose to drop the class and choose advanced courses that truly interest her like AP Language and AP Literature.
The only reason you should take an AP is because you like the subject and you really want to learn it.
AP teacher Terence Barton
When it comes to trying new, rigorous courses, the only person who truly knows your capabilities is yourself. “Everybody’s different,” Wen said. “Don’t compare yourself to other people.” While teachers, counselors, and parents can provide guidance on course selections, the decision ultimately comes down to you. “If you’re good at it, stay in it. And if you’re not sure, try it. It doesn’t hurt to try,” senior Talaya Burns said.
There is often a stigma among students deciding to drop an advanced course in regard to judgment from others and the effect on their academic record. Societal pressure related to dropping out of classes can discourage students from making decisions that fit their personal academic strengths and weaknesses.
For the students that the Chronicle interviewed, the benefits of dropping a class outweighed the drawbacks. “It was stressful when I was in the class, but it was a relief when I left,” Burns said.
Most students reported that stepping back from challenging courses allowed them to pursue other interests outside of school. “You can focus on the time you have on other aspects like extracurriculars,” Wen said.
Participating in extracurricular activities also strengthens college applications by highlighting a student’s commitment and passion for an activity outside of academics. College admissions officers seek well-rounded individuals who have diverse interests and talents, qualities that can be attained through participation in extracurriculars rather than enrolling in additional AP courses.
“You should have a good reason for taking the AP, not just to put it on your transcript,” Barton said. “Colleges see through that; they want to see passion, interest, and some self-initiated learning.”
“It’s not worth it to stay up until 2 a.m. every day doing homework. I know you feel like you have to get it all done. It’s not worth it. You need sleep,” Danzig said.
“It’s only four years of your life,” Wen said. “It’s your moment, just be you.”
Dropping an AP class is often viewed as a failure when, in reality, it can benefit one’s academic path, whatever that may be. Danzig also emphasized the importance of not defining oneself through academic success. Even colleges view students holistically, meaning they look at extracurriculars, writing, and an applicant’s experiences along with their GPA and test scores.
