Overcoming the Challenge of AP Classes and Perfectionism by Mary

Overcoming the Challenge of AP Classes and Perfectionism by Mary - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

At Russellville High School, one of my biggest academic challenges came from balancing the demands of several Advanced Placement (AP) courses while struggling with my perfectionist tendencies. I enrolled in AP Literature, AP Language Arts, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus, eager to push myself further. However, the heavy workload and my constant drive for perfection created intense pressure, making it difficult to keep up.

Each AP class brought its own struggles. AP Literature and AP Language Arts required in-depth analysis and essays, while AP Statistics involved complex formulas that were difficult to grasp. AP Calculus, in particular, was a challenge I hadn't fully anticipated. Despite hours of practice, I couldn’t seem to master the concepts. My perfectionism made these difficulties feel like failures, leading to anxiety and frustration.

The turning point came after a tough week when I received a low grade in AP Statistics and struggled in Calculus. I realized my perfectionism was holding me back, so I decided to change my approach. I began focusing more on learning than on achieving perfect grades. I broke assignments into smaller tasks, created a more balanced study schedule, and allowed myself time for breaks. I also reached out for help more often, whether from teachers or classmates, recognizing that asking for support was essential.

This new mindset helped me improve in all my classes. I learned to embrace mistakes as opportunities to grow, and gradually, my academic performance and confidence improved. In the end, balancing AP courses and perfectionism at Russellville High School taught me that progress, not perfection, is the key to success. The experience helped me develop better time management, resilience, and self-compassion, all of which have shaped how I approach both school and life.