The phrase “how many APs are you taking?” is one of the most common phrases heard in hallways. At first, it can be classified as just small talk between friends. But over time, hearing it again and again creates an overwhelming sense of pressure. This casual question slowly becomes a reminder that students are constantly expected to take more, push harder, and never fall behind no matter what.
Across The Nest, there is a growing trend to take as many AP classes as possible. For many reasons, one for the college credit and two for the application boost. Furthermore, parents often place intense pressure on their children to get into top colleges, and many of these schools appear to favor students who take 8 to 12 AP classes. Without looking into it, this may seem reasonable. But when you step back, it becomes clear how unrealistic and damaging this expectation is.
AP classes are meant to challenge students and provide opportunities for growth. But when the number of APs taken becomes more important than a student’s well being and how much they can truly handle, these classes stop helping and start hurting. Instead of encouraging balance and curiosity, overloading AP classes teach students that they are only as good as the number of AP classes on their transcript.
AP classes are college-level courses. Expecting a 14-year-old student, fresh out of middle school where the curriculum is less demanding, to immediately handle multiple college-level classes does not make sense. Furthermore, some students may manage, but the real issue is not just difficulty. It is the constant competition that surrounds AP classes.
Conversations with friends almost always circle back to APs or course schedules. Suddenly, school is not about learning anymore. It is about comparison. Who is taking more? Who is ahead? Who looks better to colleges? This mindset pushes students to overload their schedules, often at the expense of sleep and mental health, all in the hopes of getting into a top college, and being “better” than their friends.
