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Many students mocked the green slip of paper they received recommending that they take no more than two AP courses. When the day for class registration came around, sophomores and juniors stacked on as many APs they could to curate the perfect transcript. Students have stopped choosing classes based on interest, and instead strive to prove themselves as the “smartest” amongst their peers. The pressure to overload on rigorous courses stems not only from the competitive nature of college admissions but also an academic culture that equates the number of AP classes you take with intelligence.
While high school is supposed to give students direction, it often does the opposite, placing a heavier focus on grades than the actual subject matter of the class. The fear of appearing “less capable” drives students to take classes they have no genuine interest in, leading to burnout and disinterest in learning itself. Schools rank students on a scale of 1-4 and celebrate those that break the scale, reinforcing the idea that success is determined solely by academic rigor rather than understanding or passion.
The emphasis on academic prestige is further highlighted by the imbalance in course offerings. Currently, Washington High School offers nine STEM AP courses, a stark contrast with the six social science and literature courses, three of which can only be taken in senior year. The disparity reflects a bias that prioritizes STEM subjects over humanities, signaling to students that fields like history, literature, and political science hold less value in the academic hierarchy. As a result, students feel pressure to pursue STEM-heavy course loads, even if they don’t align with their interests, sacrificing genuine curiosity for academic prestige.
Not only do students lose the opportunity to explore their interests, but they also face intense mental health problems. Burnout combined with a lack of interest promotes depression. While it may seem worthwhile to get into a good college, APs do not guarantee admission either.
Time that could have been spent engaging in exploring passions or developing skills is consumed by late-night studying and overwhelming stress. Students sacrifice hobbies, social lives, and sleep in an attempt to maintain perfect grades, only to find that their efforts may not significantly impact their future in the way they hoped.
At the end of the day, the 5.0 that APs offer is just a number and it doesn’t outweigh mental health. It is important to rethink what is truly valuable in one’s education. The 3-7% acceptance rates that Ivy League schools offer are for students who set themselves apart from thousands of other applicants. While APs show academic rigor, they are not all that matter. It’s time to look beyond the statistics and pursue things we are truly passionate about.
Avni Mishra is a junior at Washington High School. She grew up in Fremont, California. This is her first year at the paper and she is interested in writing about politics, local businesses, and book/movie reviews. She is also part of Whs DECA and has been doing Indian Semi-Classical dance for the past eight years. She hopes to become a print journalist in the future!