Ask M - Spectrum’s Advice Column

If you are interested in having your questions answered, email ian.bowen@nyackschools.org or justin.morales@nyackschools.org 

Dear M,

I am having trouble adjusting to my new workload.  This year, I added two AP courses to my schedule.  I have taken Honors courses in the past, but this already feels really different.  I am staying up all hours to get homework done, which is making me tired in class.  There are times the teacher is talking, and I have no idea what they are saying.  What should I do?  ~Lost

Dear Lost,

I understand where you’re coming from. While I’m taking dual enrollment classes and not APs this year, I've definitely felt that same shock when stepping up my academic game. The jump from regular or even Honors courses to college-level or AP classes is real, and you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. You should know that what you’re experiencing is completely normal. Those late nights completing homework is something I and many other high schoolers can deeply relate to.

Firstly, I advise you to talk to your AP teachers. If you open up to your teachers about struggling, they can be really understanding. They might offer extensions, extra help, or study resources you don't know about. Some teachers even adjust deadlines if they see you're putting in the effort. You’d be surprised how much they’re willing to help if you just ask. Ask questions like “What's the most important thing I should focus on right now?” “What resources would you recommend to make this easier to study?”  If the teachers can explain to you the concepts of the courses one-on-one, it’ll benefit you greatly, as the absence of potential distractions from your classmates will help you focus on what is being taught. If you're comfortable, you can also connect with other students in your classes and/or form a study group with your friends that are taking the same APs as you. Studying with others can feel way less stressful and tiring. You can also sign up for tutoring sessions or peer mentoring programs. You also won’t feel as alone in your struggles, and your friends’ support will motivate you to succeed. 

In addition, you should prioritize time management. You can use the physical planner provided by the school or an online planner to organize and block out time for each subject. It’s best to tackle the hardest assignments first when your brain is freshest. Break big projects or assignments into smaller chunks and assign mini-deadlines; that way you’re not cramming the night before the due date. Taking breaks in between assignments during homework time can also help you. If you like listening to music while you work, try to play relaxing or low-key tunes or perhaps songs without lyrics to help you concentrate on the task at hand. You should also set a homework cutoff time, so you’re not still writing an APUSH paper at 2 A.M. Make sure this time is late enough to be realistic, but early enough that you’re not getting less than 6-8 hours of sleep. This way, you won’t be as tired during the day and will focus more in class.

I know that going from Honors to AP classes comes with new expectations that you can find difficult to adjust to. Don’t expect to master everything immediately; not everything is going to come easy to you, and that’s okay. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Also, there’s no shame in adjusting your schedule. It's better to excel in fewer challenging courses than to struggle in many. Your mental health matters more than any class. You can talk to your guidance counselor about this; they’ll most likely understand. If you’re primarily taking APs for college purposes, know that AP courses aren’t everything. I haven’t taken any AP classes, and I doubt that’ll hinder my chances of getting into an acceptable college.

Remember to be patient with yourself and to celebrate any progress you make, even if it’s not a perfect grade.

• M