LOS ALAMITOS, CA — AP classes are a staple of U.S. high schools. The concept of taking advanced classes for boosted GPA and college credits is a common course of action for students that feel confident in their abilities. But is the added stress really worth it? I talked to AP students and teachers to get their input on how much stress the classes cause and if they are worth all the effort.

The view from students varies depending on how many classes they take and what types they take. For example, one student that I spoke with stated that their workload is relatively light for AP Stats, around 20 minutes of homework nightly, but studying for quizzes and tests usually takes a lot longer. They also said that their work for AP Drawing and Painting can vary anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the project.

Another student talked about how their four AP classes usually amount to three hours of work. The final student that I questioned spoke about how their two AP classes, AP Spanish Language and AP Calculus BC, explained that they typically work from 4:30 to 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.

All three of these students also mentioned how they need to schedule time for the amount of work that they do. They talked about how they have had to cancel events or meetings with friends in order to finish the work that they have to do. The final student I talked to mentioned that they have had to quit their extracurricular activities to have enough time to do the two APs they are taking. The first student stated that with their job and AP classes, they often have very little time to go to events or relax with friends.

The teacher’s perspective is more cautionary. Mr. Jones, an AP Chemistry teacher, stated that the students need to manage their time well and be careful to not overload their schedule since the workload is significant and can easily become too much for the students.

He also said that the importance of AP classes depends on the path the student wants to take. For example, if a student wants to get into a top university, AP classes can be very important and helpful. Mrs. Hinz-Smith, an AP Government teacher, stated that “if you attend a Cal State and get 3s (typically) on your AP Exams (and take enough of them) it could cut a full year off of your schooling.”

Overall it seems that students need to be able to manage their time very well and be passionate about their subjects. Taking two to three AP classes is generally the area that teachers recommend and is the most manageable for students. APs are a major part of many high school careers and can benefit students depending on what college they go to. However, it is important to be able to strike a balance between your classes and your personal life so as to not overwhelm yourself.