Dear IHS Voice,
How can I balance school, my extracurriculars, and my personal life?
Regards,
Anonymous
Hi!
I can definitely relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the classes, homework, and extracurriculars that seem to continuously pile up until it feels like it’s impossible to tackle.
Through my experiences, the best thing I learned is that you shouldn’t overestimate yourself. I don’t say this to limit your dreams or discourage you, but to offer you a realistic perspective from someone who has suffered the consequences of not taking this advice. When you decide on classes for the year, take into account all the clubs and extracurriculars you’re planning to do, as well.
My suggestion is to take on less than what you think you can handle because you can always add more onto your load but it’s harder to take off. You must take into account that if you can manage this workload when you have the most time and energy, you may not be able to sustain it when your personal life happens because it does.
Another valuable thing I learned is the concept of delayed gratification. As a routine procrastinator myself, it’s not sustainable. When you have freer days, get a head start on that assignment due next week or the reading that’s not due until Friday. Trust me, you’ll thank me when it’s 10 PM and you have three tests to study for and two assignments due the next day but you don’t have to worry about that math homework you finished in class.
All in all, high school is a stressful, but rewarding experience. Leave time for the things that matter, because as cliche as it is, you only get this experience once. Take on only what you know you can handle, and maybe even a little less, because you can always add stuff later. Do what you can when you’re able to because you don’t know what will happen later. You got this!
XOXO,
Your wise advisor
******
Dear IHS Voice,
Is self-studying AP classes worth it?
Regards,
Anonymous
Hi!
While I have not self-studied an AP before, I have taken several APs online and at school, and have friends who self-studied APs.
The first option for APs is taking them in school. This is typically free, excluding the cost of registering for the test. In addition, the school will usually have an option to take the test on campus. You are very likely to do well on the test because the pace of the course is set for you by the teacher making it easy to stay on track. You can receive the credit for taking the AP-level course and the AP test itself.
An AP-accredited course is usually expensive but allows you to take additional courses outside of school if you need a GPA boost. They are more self-paced and typically offer options to take the test through their company. You can receive both the credit for the course and the test.
Lastly, there is the option of self-studying. This option is incredibly cost-efficient. However, you need to find a facility to take the test, and you must have a lot of self-discipline to stay on track. This aside, you can take as many and whichever APs as your time allows for.
|
Taking it in school |
Taking an AP-accredited course outside of school |
Self-studying |
|
|
Taking the test |
Able to take the test on campus | Usually have options to take the test or register through the company | Must find a location to take the AP test |
|
Pace |
Pace is set for you by teachers | Usually has a hard deadline but mostly allows you to pace yourself | Entirely self-paced |
|
Time |
Included in your course schedule so not much additional time required | Basically adds the work of taking another course | Less work than AP-accredited course but still requires additional time |
|
Cost |
Usually free aside from registration cost | Usually on the more costly side | Typically free aside from registering for the AP test |
|
Likelihood of Success |
Pretty high, the pace is set for you so it doesn’t require much self-discipline | Middle, just don’t procrastinate, sometimes there are people who will keep you on track | Pretty difficult to stay disciplined |
|
Other |
Receive the credit of taking a college-level class & AP test | Receive the credit of taking a college-level class & AP test | Only get the credit or taking the AP test |
Based on this information, make the best decision for you! You got this!
XOXO,
Your wise advisor
