While high school is a time for fun, many students at Bloomfield Hills High School are looking ahead to their future careers. To get a head start, they enroll in AP and IB courses. These programs are designed to be much harder than standard classes, but the benefits can last a lifetime. Taking on a tough schedule in high school can help students build a strong resume and prepare them for the challenge of a university.
Jared She, a junior at Bloomfield Hills High School, is currently managing a schedule with seven AP and IB classes. While to many this sounds like too much work, Jared sees it as a vital training ground.
“It’s challenging work, but it teaches you how to study,” She said. For Jared, these classes aren’t just about the subject matter, they are about the growth that comes with them. “You learn more about yourself and how to study in the future.”
By pushing himself now, he is developing the discipline needed to succeed in any career path he chooses to go into.
Beyond just learning better study habits, taking these advanced courses builds a level of confidence that regular classes might not provide. Many students worry about whether they can handle college level classes. Jared feels that his experience in seven advanced classes has taken away that fear. “It’s a lot less intimidating now,” he said. “You go into college with at least some knowledge.”
In the end, the choice to take AP and IB classes is more than just a grade on a transcript. It’s about proving to yourself that you are capable of handling a professional level of work. By the time students like Jared reach college, they already have the tools and the mindset to finish at the top of their class
Although helping yourself succeed and building your resume as effectively as possible is important, there is always an argument to be more balanced throughout life.
It is important to put yourself and your wellbeing before a stressful schedule. Aspects such as sleep, mental health, diet, and work-life balance are crucial to living a fulfilled life. Taking too many AP/IB classes is known to sometimes cause burnout and unnecessary stress. With fewer advanced classes in one’s schedule, students will most likely have more time for extracurriculars, which are crucial for discovering your passions and can help you in applying for college. Hayden Schwartzenfeld, a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School, has taken around fifteen AP/IB classes. In spite of his rigorous schedule, he maintains that taking AP/IB classes just for the status is not recommended.
“Taking fewer advanced classes would allow you to balance a busy extracurricular schedule with clubs, sports, etc.” Schwartzenfeld said. “I recommend for people mainly to take AP classes that they are interested in.”
Lastly, allowing yourself to have free time can often lead to greater creativity and more childhood fulfillment as high schoolers enjoy their last years as kids and emerge into adulthood.
In the end, it is essential for everyone to find their equal balance regarding what they can handle when taking AP/IB classes. This is different for everyone but important to achieving success and happiness.
