Taking multiple AP classes this year? Here’s some tips on how to manage them.

Junior Ryan Mills is currently taking BC Calculus, AP Computer Science and Pre-AP Physics.

Q: What was your hardest year of taking this level of class? What year did you start taking AP courses?

A: “I’d say sophomore year because I piled on a lot of AP and Pre-AP classes. It was also kind of different having a combination of advanced foreign language and elective classes which made it a hard transition from my freshman year.”

Q: Even when you hear negatives about the AP courses you’re in. What keeps you motivated to keep doing the classes?

A: “AP classes provide a lot of challenge that my on-level classes don’t give me. I also pay a lot more attention, and I’m more involved in these more advanced classes. I get pushed to my maximum effort so in the end, it feels rewarding.”

Q: When you’re overloaded with your assignments what would you do to prevent yourself from procrastinating?

A: “There will be times where procrastination will become uneditable.For example, when it’s getting closer to the end of the grading period you end up having so much work on your plate. But if you want to try to prevent it, work on the work little bit at a time.Do assignments based on priority and how long you have until they’re due.”

Q: What keeps you from wanting to drop the AP class you are in?

A: “I very much enjoy my harder-paced classes.The challenge that comes with these classes not only helps me become a better student but a better person. They teach me to manage my time. I also enjoy being able to walk away from an experience like that no matter how enticing they may be. Because knowing that I was able to push myself to perform at the best of my ability is rewarding.”

Q: Is there anyone in particular who keeps supporting you?

A: “My parents do a great job at that, but they’re not always able to help. But they’re always involved and curious about what’s going on in my classes. I also have a lot of friends who take more advanced classes which is good because not only can I talk to them, but we can bond and study together which helps us stay on track. So definitely without those two things, it would be a lot harder.”

Q: What advice would you give someone who’s taking their first AP course?

A: “First of all, I think you’ve made the right choice. Making the decision to take an AP course is always the hardest choice because AP courses have a very daunting reputation. So it’s important to keep in mind that even though it’s labeled as this difficult daunting task, it’s really approachable if you are confident in yourself and what you’re doing. Because once the ball starts rolling, you’ll be on top of things. I would highly encourage people to try taking an AP class especially freshman and sophomore year.”

Q: How do you maintain a passing grade?

A: “Time management is very important. AP classes aren’t always about more difficult work, it’s about there’s a lot more going on around you at all times. A lot of it is being on top of your work because if you continue to keep on top of the class making a good grade it shouldn’t be too hard.”

Q: What do these AP classes teach you life-skill wise?

A: “They very much teach you time management. They also teach how to enjoy learning because when you are being pushed in these classes you end up finding fun in the little things you do. Like when I’m taking social studies, doing the AP version has proven to have been a lot more fun and challenging. I’m also learning what learning styles work best from taking these classes.”

Q: How do these classes influence your future?

A: “One thing is colleges like it and it makes me a better student. But honestly, it helps me learn to be dedicated and apply myself which is a valuable life skill to have when going on to anything in life. Whereas in elementary and middle school I didn’t need to apply as much effort because I flew through very easily. So once I got to high school, I started taking these more advanced courses which have finally given me the challenge and the ability to push myself to see how far I can go. You learn what it’s like to work to the maximum of your ability which in the end feels wonderful. There’s not a second in my day that I feel is wasted, and I still have time to go out and do things I love.”

Q: Do these AP classes prepare you for college?

A: “They definitely help you get ready for college.The one thing I can recommend to any incoming freshman is how important taking APHUG and WAP because those classes introduce you to the fact that not all classes are super easy. In the long term it drives you to be more successful. Also when college comes around being self sufficient and not relying on a classroom environment is going to help a ton when you get to college.”

Senior Ian Klobe is currently taking BC Calculus, AP Psychology and AP economics.

Q: What was your hardest year of taking this level of class? What year did you start taking AP courses?

A: “Probably my freshman year because I had to get used to the amount of work I needed to do.”

Q: Even when you hear negatives about the AP courses you’re in, what keeps you motivated?

A:  “The fact that you get a college credit, and you don’t have to take them in college.”

Q: When you’re overloaded with your assignments what would you do to prevent yourself from procrastinating?

A: “If I find the assignment enjoyable then I’ll do it right away. Otherwise I just procrastinate.”

Q: What keeps you from wanting to drop the AP class you are in?

A: “I’m just kinda accustomed to the way they work, and it’s not like they’re very hard. You just have to be dedicated.”

Q: Is there anyone in particular that keeps supporting you?

A: “My family.”

Q: What advice would you give someone who’s taking their first AP course?

A: “Don’t stress out so much that you can’t enjoy the work.”

Q: How do you maintain a passing grade?

A: “I already understand most of the material, and it just sorta comes naturally to me.”

Q: What do these AP classes teach you life-skill wise?

A: “They teach you how to not procrastinate as much because otherwise you’ll just be overwhelmed with the amount of stress you’ll have.”

Q: How do these classes influence your future?

A: “They influence my future in the fact that they kinda help me get accustomed to how what college workload is going to be like. Also the fact that it gives me more of a branch of what I would want to do in college.”