Advanced Placement classes are notoriously some of the hardest classes to complete. The curriculum is difficult and time consuming, but has arguably the most valuable payoffs of any class. Experiences in these classes range between the wide variety of students who take them, but as demonstrated by the specific experiences outlined by current AP students, there is a general consensus that these classes are indeed worthwhile.

“Being in AP classes this year has made me want to work a lot harder than I ever have before. It has also given me a better sense of motivation, and it has given me a different perspective on things in the world around me. I have become much more attuned to what is happening with world events, which is mainly due to AP U.S. History. In that class, we go over the social, political, and economic issues of different periods in time. APUSH has taught me that media portrayals of world events aren’t always accurate or the opinions are highly swayed one way or the other; it has made me more aware of what I am reading in the news. AP English has taught me how to better analyze and absorb things that I read. I have learned many different styles of writing and I have been taught how to recognize these styles, along with the rhetorical devices used in different pieces. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to take these classes and I can’t wait to take the ones that I am signed up for next year.”
—Tori Hoar

“This school year has been the most challenging by far. The main cause of this I most certainly attribute to taking two advanced placement (AP) courses, AP English Language and AP U.S. History. As the school year started and we began these classes, I would often ask myself why I chose to do these classes, why did I put this stress on myself? I felt as though I struggled greatly through both classes, but after getting used to the rigorous curriculum I found that studying and assignments were becoming easier. It was still difficult and each new essay or each new chapter challenged me, but I pushed through and became more knowledgeable than I thought I could be. In AP English, I learned how to create the best essays I have ever put my mind to and I understand the depths of words and phrases more now than ever. In AP History, I learned concepts of history that I had never thought of and I began to understand everything that made the United States of America what it is today coherently. There were so many times I wanted to give up and I sacrificed a lot to earn the scores I get, but I wouldn’t take back any of it. I came to know both my teachers better and respect them as both educators and people greatly. I grew and deepened my friendships in those classes and even though I felt stressed most of the year, I feel as though this was my best year in high school yet. So, if anyone were to ask me if they should consider taking AP courses, I would say yes. You’re going to want to not go on at some points and give up entirely, but the feeling when you achieve good grades or certain goals in these classes is indescribable. Just put some time and energy into it, and you will feel more accomplished than ever before.”
—Cami Groce