No.
Well at least not for me.
Back in my prime years of eighth grade (yes people this is sarcasm), the counselor asked us to lay out our four year high school schedule. And although I can't remember what I wrote down word-for-word, I know it is completely wrong. I remember distinctly that I said I would take ALL AP classes senior year because even as a measly eighth grader, the school forced it down our throats that AP classes would benefit us.
As of now, I have taken AP US History, AP English Language and Composition, and Pre-Calculus (not AP but it's weighted). All of these classes come with a lot of workload, which I knew going into the classes. However, there comes a point where the work and time isn't worth it anymore. Example one, I ended up getting an 83% in AP US History last year but got a 2 on the AP exam. For the AP exam, colleges give credit for a 3 and above. If I got a B, weighted to a A mind you, in the class, I should be able to pass the exam. I loved my teacher to death, he is probably one of my top teachers, but if I can't pass the exam why should I be investing in the test?
The next best example I have is Pre-Calculus. I did not want to be in Pre-Calculus to begin with, but everyone I talked to said I was "too smart to be in the other math classes", when in reality I should have taken the other math classes. Not only is precalculus challenging but I don't care about it. If I EVER have to use Pre-Calculus or Calculus in life, I will pursue a different career. Besides me not liking math, I walk into my class hating the hour without even knowing what we are doing.
AP English is difficult but in a completely different way. Sorry for my passive voice in that past sentence, if you're in my AP English Language and Composition class you'll understand. In English we take 2 vocabulary quizzes every weekend. The firsts quiz is 7 minutes and the next quiz is 6 minutes, for around 20-30 words. AND the tests are accumulative of all the words we learned the rest of the weeks. Also, every Tuesday we have an essay due and at the end of the quarter all of the essays are graded on an AP scale. Most likely, your grade will drop 6%.
The description of my pain above all leads to one question. Are these classes worth the credit? Why should I be putting myself through so much stress if it doesn't translate to college credit? I decided that the only AP class I'm taking is Spanish because I've taken it for the past three years. Although college classes in high school could pay off for some, the result for me is not prevalent. I've learned that I need to be able to enjoy high school and in doing so I need to take a breather from difficult classes.
Wooh that was one long blog post. Sorry there wasn't any pictures or captions. I really just needed to vent and this is the place to do so. Sorry it was so long and ramble-y. I hope you all still enjoyed it and you'll see me soon with another blog post.
Until next time,
Taylor xx
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