When sophomores picked their classes for junior year, roughly one in three received a pink sticker from their counselors: “You are taking more than 3 AP classes.” Did that scare them? Absolutely not.
In collaboration with the CSArtisan staff and school administration, a Google Form survey was sent via email and StudentSquare, asking current juniors to report how many AP classes they are taking and how that affects their stress. In contrast, current seniors were asked to reflect on their AP class amount and how much it affected their stress junior year. 50 students answered the survey, 28 of them juniors and 22 of them seniors. So, the question you might be asking…who wins the “Most AP classes taken Award”? Our current juniors or current seniors?
Well, the data actually showed an increase in AP course load for the current junior class compared with last year’s juniors (current seniors). This year, 64% of the surveyed juniors are taking 3 or more AP classes compared to 55% of seniors taking 3 or more AP classes. This shows that current juniors have a heavier workload compared to juniors last year.
But students taking more AP classes generally reported higher levels of overwhelm. Students taking fewer APs were more likely to report lower levels of overwhelm. On the survey, students were asked to rate their stress levels in junior year on a scale from 1-5 (1 being not at all, 5 being extremely stressed). The survey showed that students taking 3+ APs were more commonly in the higher overwhelmed levels (4–5), so a heavier AP workload is connected to feeling more overwhelmed.
“When a student does not have the time or energy to juggle their AP courses, we see the negative effects on both their academic grades and their mental health. Medical research shows us that too much stress and lack of sleep, puts a lot of pressure on the body which can cause students/people to get physically sick and it can also damage one’s mental health,” said Mindy Shiroma, Head School Counselor.
In addition, participants answered how the amount of AP classes affected their personal lives on a scale from 1-5 (1 being not at all, 5 being extremely affected). Students taking more APs were more likely to report that APs affected their personal lives. A heavier AP workload can leave students with less free time for activities, friends, or other responsibilities like homework from other classes or conservatory and extracurricular activities.
However, it is important to note that there can be other stressors and factors in students’ lives and aren’t all a product of the number of AP classes. The data shows a correlation between AP classes and stress, but not definite proof.
So, juniors won the award! But…why? Why take this many AP classes, and is there such a thing as “too many” AP classes?
The survey also showed that a main interest in AP classes is related to college. Roughly 82% of the participants are taking the number of AP classes they are taking to appeal to colleges and strengthen their application. In addition, the reason why the number of people taking AP classes this year is because of the removal of Citrus College Classes, which students would pick if they want college credit without the rigor of an AP class. Now that CCC classes have been removed, students need to pick between CP and AP classes.
But how much is too much? That is entirely dependent on the person. Usually, counselors see a tipping point after 3 AP courses, but it is dependent on the student. If the student can maintain a healthy lifestyle with more than 3 AP classes while balancing other factors (conservatory, time commitment, extracurriculars, etc.), then they are comfortable with taking more than 3 AP classes.
If you do find yourself very stressed by academic workload, there are many resources if you feel like you need extra support. First, students can still make changes to their schedules until the first progress grade period (6 weeks into school). In addition, if you would like emotional support or need to talk, you can schedule an appointment with a CSArts School Counselor or take a mental health break in the Wellness Center (in room 111).
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