AP classes are tough on students.

“The work you see here is what you would see in a college level class,” AP World History teacher Ivan Rangel said. “We try to challenge students with different types of readings trying to get them to learn at the AP level.”

Counselors try to steer students in the right direction and determine if AP classes are right for them.

“I recruit students that are interested in earning college credit while in high school and register students for their EPCC classes,” dual credit counselor Yasmin Villa said. “ I assist in guiding the students with the best fit for their high school and post-secondary education.”

Students in these classes think the work piles on and it can be difficult to catch up if they fall behind.

“Every night I have about one hour’s worth of homework,” sophomore Abel Ochoa said. “The class itself isn’t hard but the homework is something I would change because it stacks up.”

Teachers do what they can to keep students on top of work, but students have to make the effort.

“I try to keep my students as organized as possible, but it’s up to them to manage themselves and to follow the examples and the tools I give them,” Rangel said. “The biggest struggle students have is procrastination because they wait until the last minute to complete a week’s worth of work.”

Some dual credit students struggle to keep up with the work.

“The biggest issue dual credit students come to me for is the fact that dual credit has faster deadlines than regular classes,” Villa said. “It’s difficult to keep up with the syllabus deadlines along with their other classes and extracurricular activities.”

Students may fail these classes because they don’t turn in their assignments, don’t meet deadlines and the workload adds to their downfall.

“These classes are very fast paced, you have to make sure all your work is on time and that you did your best on all of them,” Ochoa said.

There’s a lot of work students have to do to be able to understand the class material.

“Students learn how to analyze documents, interpret data and gain valuable writing techniques. I’m a very challenging teacher. If students are not looking to be challenged then there’s no reason to be in my class,” Rangel said.

Although AP and dual credit classes are challenging they are beneficial.

“Students should take these classes because it can save them thousands of dollars in tuition on college basics,” Villa said.“Taking the basics in high school allows students to start college taking classes that apply to their major.”

Students have some survival tips for incoming AP class students.

“Even though it’s a big responsibility I would take more AP and dual credit classes because it’s good for my future and it could help me get into a good college,” Ochoa said.“Don’t slack, always try your best in these classes, keep working hard, and you’ll be rewarded.”