Nikka Gribanovsky

The AP European History textbook is 952 pages long, and AP European History classes must go through the majority of this content before the AP exam on May 12. Sophomore Sakina Bambot, who is currently enrolled in the class, said, “It’s definitely a lot of work, but I’m getting a lot out of the class.”

On Feb. 2, emails were sent out to Carlmont students with details on counselor appointments for choosing classes for the following year. With nearly 20 Advanced Placement (AP) class options, the choices can be stressful.

Sophomore Sakina Bambot said, “I like that AP classes challenge me and allow me to delve deeper into subjects that I enjoy. I want to take AP classes next year so that I can further explore my interests.”

The college-level courses are challenging, but they also give students the opportunity to pursue classes they are passionate about.

Angeline Vinarskaya, a junior, said, “[AP psychology] is very interesting. I really enjoy it. The class pushes me to try and work hard, but it is worth it.”

Many students find that AP classes are good learning opportunities.

Bambot said, “Taking AP classes has taught me many effective thinking skills that are applicable in other subjects as well as a lot of new and interesting material that regular classes never cover.”

Some positives of these challenging courses can include impressing colleges, developing higher-level academic skills, pursuing subjects students enjoy, and having a more flexible class schedule in college.

On the other hand, AP classes can be too much for some people to handle.

Sophomore Kimberly Eng said, “I signed up for AP Euro at the beginning of this year, and I dropped it within the first week and a half.”

Many students, like Eng, go into the classes believing they can handle them, but quickly realize that the odds are against them.

Eng said, “I thought I would be able to handle the stress and responsibility that comes with an AP class, but I couldn’t. I’m usually a pretty chill person but I broke under the stress, emotionally and mentally.”

School counselors, teachers, and other students are good sources of information and advice when considering AP classes.

Eng said, “You need to be prepared for staying up late and taking multiple quizzes a week. If you’re not fully prepared, it can really intensify your anxiety and stress. It causes you to crack under pressure.”