Five AP classes: a gamble but no regrets

As a senior, I am currently taking five AP classes, including AP Statistics, AP English Literature, AP Calculus BC, AP Art History and AP Economics. While this course load seems difficult and overwhelming, it’s actually pretty easy to juggle. 

One thing that makes it easy is that I don’t get much homework. All my classes either have no homework, or have homework that counts for very little or nothing at all. This allows for more flexibility in deciding when doing homework is worth it and when I need to use my time for something else. 

For example, I am able to focus more on studying in a way that works for me. I have noticed in the past that homework doesn’t help me retain information as well as using other study methods. With more time for studying rather than homework, the classes themselves have begun to feel easier. 

While my course load is pretty light, it definitely differs not just based on the class, but based on the teacher. In particular, my calculus class almost never has homework, yet friends in a different teacher’s class have told me that they have nightly homework. I know that if I had that much added work, I would find it more difficult to juggle. Therefore, signing up for some of these classes and hoping for a light workload is a gamble that you should make at your own risk. 

While I am finding these classes somewhat simple to juggle I don’t know if I would recommend them all. Since the classes are AP, they are a bit more fast-paced and more focused on individual learning. I find the student-led learning style to be a lot more beneficial for me, but it can be somewhat difficult for others. 

Additionally, my experience in these classes is fairly reliant on similar classes I have taken in the past. For example, AP Calculus BC isn’t too difficult because I took AP Calculus AB last year. Similarly, AP English Literature is pretty manageable because I took Honors Afrocentric Literature last year and I was used to the quick-paced nature of an English class.

Some people don’t understand why I chose to not have an easy senior year. However, past experience in advanced classes has allowed these classes to feel completely reasonable. That, along with the fact that I was lucky enough to have a light workload, has caused me to not regret my decision at all. Moreover, doing well in these classes has rewarded me with the pleasure of being proud of myself for achieving a difficult task.