At Granada High School, the multiple AP classes offered lead to higher GPAs and better college opportunities. However, there are also high levels of stress and limited free time. This year, several students reflect on their experiences balancing AP schedules with the rest of their lives.
To begin, Annapoorani Amarnath (11) is currently enrolled in four AP courses.
“I’m taking AP Biology, AP Spanish, AP U.S. History, and AP Environmental Science this year,” Amarnath said.
With such a heavy schedule, the homework adds up quickly.
“Altogether, I think I have around five to six hours of homework a night, because I study for everything,” she said.
Amarnath also explained that the workload often hinders her ability to participate in activities outside of school.
“Yeah, I think the workload does interfere, because it puts a lot of stress on you,” she said. “But I think if you have proper time management, you can definitely handle it.”
However, As the first semester ends and AP exams become closer, she feels more confident in some subjects than others.
“I feel prepared for a few of my AP classes, but not all of them,” she said.
Despite the pressure, Amarnath believes AP classes still offer important benefits.
“I totally think they’re worth it because a lot of colleges give credit,” she said. “And even if they don’t, taking the class still helps you in college. If you ever have to retake the course, you already have the knowledge, so it’s easier.”
Overall, to manage stress, she makes time for her social life whenever possible.
“I honestly don’t even know sometimes,” she said, laughing. “I just hang out with my friends whenever I get the time. If there’s a birthday party or we’re doing Secret Santa, I’ll go for an hour or two, and it makes me feel better.”
Another student, Krisha Chopra (11), shared a similar experience balancing classes and personal time.
“I’m taking three AP classes this year, and I usually get around four hours of homework a night,” she said.
For her, the AP workload directly impacts life outside of academics.
“Yes, the AP workload definitely interferes with my regular life,” Krisha said.
When asked about AP exam preparation, she admitted she hasn’t been able to fully start.
“I don’t feel ready for the AP exams because I haven’t really sat down and started genuinely studying,” she explained.
She also noted that the difficulty of AP courses varies widely.
“I think it depends on which AP you’re taking—some are like an eight or nine on the difficulty scale,” she said.
Overall, many students acknowledge the value of AP classes, but they also recognize the pressure and time commitment that come with them. As the AP testing season approaches, students continue balancing academic expectations and maintaining their well being.
