As the AP testing season heats up, many juniors are thinking about their courseload for next year. It’s a perennial debate for a junior: choose a senior schedule based on ease or challenge. Current seniors have varying advice for the juniors.
Aydin Kabir promotes working hard throughout high school and taking as many AP classes as feasible to the individual skill level of a student..
“I have no regrets in what I chose for classes, as I think that it is very important to take the hardest classes that someone can manage (which does vary by person),” said Kabir. “I did not take senior privilege, which is unfortunate, but I don’t regret it. To compensate, I have a chill class, like entrepreneurship, followed by an easy music class.”
But others, like Ben Fritz, lean into the “Senior Slump” lifestyle. While taking many easy classes, he thinks that it is more beneficial for the overall vibe of the Senior year experience.
“I take cooking, senior privilege, two writing sems and sports literature and math,” said Fritz. “I highly recommend taking it easy because you get to relax and not do too much if you already have good enough grades to go to college. Just take it easy.”
Easy is not always the answer according to Olivia Strom. With a schedule loaded with four AP classes, Strom has taken away major life skills from her time at OA.
“I have no regrets about what I chose to take this year,” said Strom. “The challenges I face daily only help me grow as a student and as a person, for which I am incredibly grateful. Along with that, I think my course load is preparing me for what I will see in college. Especially in my AP Gov class, which is mostly self-directed, I have to be very disciplined and proactive about my work to succeed.”
In conclusion, every student is different. From taking a multiple AP course load to multiple easier classes, everyone is in control of their path.
Kabir thinks that it is more than just picking classes, but knowing what personally suits the path that the student wants to take.
“While not a question, my other advice would be for students to advocate for themselves,” Kabir said. “Learning to do that will carry you through senior year and prepare you best for college or life, where you are your greatest supporter.”
