With course selections being passed out and handed in, many students debate which classes to choose. Counselors and teachers combined are both trying to increase the number of students in AP classes.

Is this really a good idea? Pushing teens to take AP classes when they aren’t ready could cause stress, even worse grades, or in many cases, the class is dropped by the student. In addition to this, by putting regular students in AP classes, the classroom environment AP tries to create, as well as, the speed of learning can be hindered. Although students that want these courses are more likely to benefit from this and add to the environment, but this will only be successful if they are a very determined student.

AP stands for advanced placement, not every student in GBHS fits into that category, and the stress of trying to make the cut might just cause bigger problems. Many students make it into a good college without much trouble and zero AP classes.

Students prepared for AP classes strive to get into those classes without that extra push from teachers. Even for students who are used to the honors classes, AP is a wake up call. AP demands intelligence and an excellent work ethic. Students joining these classes without the qualifications cause classes to lower standards and limit the learning of the rest of the students.