The risks that come with taking AP classes are just not worth it. One does not get into college solely based on the number of AP courses being taken or their scores. And yet, many of us are trapped in the opposite mindset. 

The time spent attempting to learn fast-paced material, just to do well on an exam is time wasted. Many selective colleges don’t even grant college credit for AP classes. For some students, the whole reason behind stacking up on APs is to get into an outstanding college.  At many schools, the rigor high school courses must cover is not the same as what the college course covers. Likely, it is accounted for a college’s introductory course. However, this will only put students in a more difficult situation in the future, given they are skipping a course very helpful to the class. Students have so many other ways to demonstrate their achievements as opposed to AP courses. Teacher recommendations, honors classes, SAT, and ACTs all provide excellent viewing of a student’s successes. 

Parents spend nearly 100 dollars per ap exam, and in a lot of cases, college credit is either not granted or barely granted. Not only this, but the amount of money spent on AP classes goes up by $1-$3 almost yearly. In 2023, the base exam fee for an AP exam in Canada and the U.S. was $97. The cost increases by $40 for late orders. College Board profits off of students’ sweat and tears and what do we get in return? The possibility of earning college credit? 

Today’s flawed educational system has forced students to compare themselves to others increasingly more due to the understanding of AP courses. It appears to students that these courses are for the further intelligent and that not taking a course means one isn’t smart enough. Although AP classes may look great on a college transcript, it isn’t worth all of the issues it causes. Students are overworking themselves and sacrificing their mental well-being all for a possibility, not a promise. 

There are many alternatives to AP classes that won’t put as much on the line. Students should not feel pressured to show their excellence through a series of “advanced classes”. However, if the pressure continues, dual enrollment courses provide a learning experience in a college environment meaning classes are taught by college professors. As opposed to taking an AP exam, the requirement for college credit through DE is just passing. Although it may seem small, that sentence can take a bucket load of stress off of a student’s shoulders.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to how good this will look on a student’s college application. We have been letting a letter and a number dictate our lives and our futures for the past several years of our lives. If we continue to live this way, we need to at least play the game right. Find a way to excel that has more benefits than doubts. AP classes may be for some people, but they are not for everyone. If people want the future of our country to thrive, then they need to stop making it seem like it is.

Opinions expressed in editorials are those of the writer(s).  These views may not represent the adviser, The Prowler, advertisers/sponsors, the Starr’s Mill High School administration or staff , or Fayette County Public Schools as a whole.  Please see our FAQs for more information pertaining to the rights of The Prowler’s staff members.