GRANGER High School offers around 19 Advanced Placement courses to take. AP courses are offered to students searching for a challenging academic experience, as well as providing opportunities for positions such as Sterling Scholar awards. Students are able to earn college credit by taking AP exams at the end of the year, testing any fundamental curriculum students gathered throughout the year.

Even with endless benefits to taking AP courses offered at the high school, effort is strategic and crucial for passing with a C and or above. So much so that some students find it hard to keep up with other regular courses, after school activities, and their studies. 

“I don’t think AP classes have interfered with any other activities like school activities or homework from other classes. I think it’s just me procrastinating that makes my schedule get packed by the end of the quarter as long as you do your work. You don’t have a lot of homework so you could catch up on all classes or you could set a schedule to help you with that,” Jazmine Infante (11) said. 

The number of projects, assignments, and exams pile quickly for those who choose to take AP courses, and this may seem stressful eating up time students may need to complete other assignments. Other students believe it’s up to their own performance to keep up in the course. 

“When I take the extra time needed for AP coursework, I sometimes struggle to keep up with other responsibilities. It really comes down to prioritization. For example, if you have an AP test coming up, you might have to decide whether to study for it or practice your songs for a concert band performance the next day. Finding a balance between AP classes and extracurricular activities is important but difficult for me,” Jaynie Ruth Cannon (11) said. 

College level courses take a lot of work — more work than regular classes. Even with the circumstances, there are ways to cope with the amount of work. 

“My advice would be to consider your willingness to work hard, whether you can balance AP coursework with other responsibilities. And how it aligns with your goals. You might also want to make a personal pros and cons list comparing AP classes to other options such as concurrent enrollment. Understanding priorities and commitment level will help you decide if AP courses are the right choice for you. Just do it!” Cannon said. 

AP courses come with a lot of responsibility and determination for students to take on the extra challenge. Students who take AP courses are moving through lessons 2x faster than regular classes or even honor-related classes. Being able to maintain information until the day of the exam is difficult and almost impossible to accomplish. 

Given the number of units to be completed with small amounts of time, those who choose to study by themselves often result in low test scores. For this reason alone, individuals feel that AP preparations and tutoring sessions should be provided. 

“Yes! I strongly feel like preparation is important and needed. You learn different things every day, and it can be hard to remember everything throughout the year,” Sammy Salea (10) said. 

Given the amount of work and time it takes to take an AP course, many students believe it’d be beneficial for support to be provided. As this will increase the chances of better test scores and confidence on the day of the exam.