As the end of the school year slowly approaches, the time rolls around for students to request their courses for the next academic year. Many students will often question: Is it worth taking high-level and AP-level courses? While a simple answer to this predicament is yes, it’s also important to take courses you are actually interested in.
Of course, students from a college-prep school seriously take into account the benefits of taking these high courses in terms of college admittance. Tess Dayhoff ‘25 says that even though these rigorous courses are encouraged to be taken for developed learning, “it’s [also] important in terms of college. That might not be the answer you want to hear, but I think that’s just the plain truth of it.” Outside of what students participate in outside of school and grades, colleges often look to see if students balance their busy schedules with high-level classes. AP College Board Central explains that “Students who take AP courses send a signal to colleges that they’re serious about their education, and that they’re willing to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework.” Also, colleges like to see students take classes relating to their interests and intended major (if they have one).
It’s important to not just take all of the high-level courses possible, but the ones that interest you. The resume is not just academic rigor, so it’s essential to enjoy your coursework as well. Kyra Sharma ‘25 passes her advice down to students after going through the whole college process: “Take classes that interest [you], because if you’re interested in it, it’s much easier to put your time towards it, and not just think about what colleges want or which classes you should take.” Ava Broll ‘25 similarly comments, “If you really enjoy the subject, you should take the harder class because you’ll discover if you truly enjoy that subject, and it will prepare you for college and see where your interests lie.”
I took A Cappella Choir and Journalism for the past few years at Blake; both of these classes let me express my creative and artistic side, bringing me a break from the rest of my academic-based classes. I also made it a priority to take rigorous classes, but made sure that I had a change of pace from my other classes. Roland Bentley ‘25 explains his regrets from selecting courses during high school: “I wish I’d taken art classes I actually wanted to take… instead of just getting the art requirements.”
These high-level courses help prepare students for their future college classes and assist with better study habits and time management. Sharma says, “Obviously they’re more challenging, so you do end up learning more, just advancing your knowledge. I think they help you develop good time management and methods of study, especially because they’re similar to college courses.” While students often find these classes difficult, the benefits outweigh the struggles they may have. Dayhoff mentions her satisfaction with the high-level courses she took because they’re “challenging, interesting, and if you can get college credit for it then it’s a pretty good use of your time.”
Although AP and honors level courses do provide many benefits to a student’s knowledge and resume, I also have to acknowledge that there may be downsides depending on the person. These fast-paced classes often induce high levels of stress and cause students hours of intense studying and preparation for the class. High-level classes often place higher amounts of pressure on students, too, creating unnecessary stress. Broll explains that “it pushes you in a really healthy way, and even if it’s really challenging, you grow the most when you’re in uncomfortable positions.”
