Every student is unique. While some may be able to take multiple advanced placement classes, others may have difficulty with just one.

However one’s mental and emotional wellness is one thing to consider before choosing courses that require arduous responsibility.

A common misconception many students believe is that the more AP courses they take, the more appealing they will be to colleges. This is not always the case.

The result is students letting academics dominate their life inside and outside of school.

Senior Olivia Sayers took two AP classes as a junior, and then decided she would be ready for the challenge of doubling her course load by taking four her senior year.

Her choice has not only demanded immense amounts of drudgery, she has found that her decision has become a burden.

This year, Sayers has spent a vast amount of her time doing her college applications and studying for her classes.

“AP classes are not only difficult for me, but they require time commitment that is much greater than regular classes do. There are simply not enough hours in the day to take that many classes and write and edit college essays.” Sayers said.

She urges students to take into account all the things that take time after school besides homework.

Taking on several AP classes is not only difficult, but is something college students don’t even do. The maximum number of courses one would take in college is around four to five, allowing students to have more time to dedicate to their studies. In high school, most students take six to seven.

Heavy course loads force students to sacrifice balance in their life. Extracurricular, sports, socializing and taking time for yourself is important.

Counselor Sheila Souder also urges students to consider a more balanced schedule.

“I think there is far too much pressure in our community and our culture to hurry up and achieve at some ridiculously high level, which is actually very counterproductive for human beings.” Souder said.

Challenge is healthy and a great way to prepare for adulthood, but when the challenge is too exacting its effects might be intolerable.

One possible solution could be if the school changed their policies by only permitting students to take one or two APs each year. This would help students balance their social and academic lives.

On the school’s home web page, Souder and other counselors in the district created a planning guide for students to construct an ideal individual schedule. Choosing subjects that excite and interest students is highly recommended when taking such rigorous courses.

“Design a year in your life. This encourages parents to support their students and to create a year that is joyful and interesting.” Souder said.

It’s a time when you should be just outside of your comfort zone, not overly stretched or stressed.

According to Souder, high school students should not be in such a hurry to finish college courses before they even get to college.