I have to admit, I find myself feeling frustrated with some AP students. Now, I want to clarify that I’m not saying all AP kids are this way. My experiences may not be everyone’s, but I think some people will understand where I’m coming from.
As a high school student currently enrolled in three AP classes, I’ve noticed that many of my peers have overloaded themselves with six to eight AP classes each year, and frankly, they can be quite exhausting to be around.
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It often feels like the only topic of conversation is AP classes. It’s as if they have no life outside academics.
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They are extremely competitive and frequently request to see others’ grades.
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Nothing seems to be good enough for them. I once overheard a girl looking downcast, and when her friend asked why, she replied, “I only got a 95%.”
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Their favorite phrase seems to be “cooked.” They’ll take a test and immediately proclaim, “Yo, I am so cooked,” only to end up scoring a 97.
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They carry enormous egos, often detailing how difficult their other AP courses are and worrying about failing in life. Yet, they boast a 4.8 GPA and outstanding college applications. It’s as if they can’t decide if they genuinely feel inadequate or if they just want to elevate their self-esteem.
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Many of them lack accountability, usually blaming the teacher when they don’t score a perfect 100. They’ll complain about that one FRQ question they think wasn’t “worded correctly.”
I truly struggle to connect with these individuals and find myself enjoying the company of students who aren’t as heavily invested in AP courses. It’s unfortunate that taking AP classes sometimes means encountering people with such frustrating attitudes.
I totally get where you’re coming from. It can be really overwhelming to be surrounded by people who seem to be obsessed with grades and competition, especially when it feels like they don’t have a more balanced perspective on life. It’s understandable to feel frustrated—high school is supposed to be about exploring interests, making connections, and enjoying the journey, not just about how many APs you can stack up.
It seems like the pressure to perform well can lead some students to lose sight of what really matters. Academic rigor is important, but so is personal growth, friendships, and just having fun. It’s great that you recognize the value of those things and prefer to spend your time with people who share a more balanced view.
At the end of the day, it’s important to protect your own mental health and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Keep focusing on your own goals and enjoy your high school experience!