Imagine this: you’re pumped to take AP Economics and pursue your passions, only to be denied acceptance because your GPA isn’t high enough to meet the standard.
Sounds frustrating, right? But there is a flip side to this story, one that begs the question: if not GPA, what should be the deciding factor for categorizing high-level and fast-paced classes?
Every student knows how tough AP classes can be. Whether Mr. Thomas Marsh’s AP English Language course or Dr. Fawzia Qazi’s AP Chemistry class, there is a reason AP classes come with a GPA boost and a chance to earn college credit. They’re meant to challenge and push the limits of Loyola students, which seems to be why GPA is used as one of the main factors to help determine which students are “ready” for the rigor.
Those who argue in favor of GPA as a requirement claim that it keeps the playing field fair and classrooms competitive.
A student who has taken his fair share of AP classes, Aaron Constantino ’25 stated, “I think that having the kids who can excel academically in the Honors/AP classes makes it so teachers can teach at a faster pace.”
Many agree with this position, as the acceptance and denial of classes aren’t meant to be an insult to any student’s ability. Instead, they exist to maintain the quality of classes and ensure that those who can enroll will succeed.
To be truthful, AP classes are very difficult. The GPA requirement acts as a warning sign to students, warning them to “enroll if ready.”
On the other hand, education is supposed to be about accessibility and opportunity. By limiting AP and Honors courses to students who meet a certain GPA requirement, it feels like Loyola is limiting opportunities. Suppose someone is a dedicated pursuer of cosmology and astrophysics outside of school. Why should they be denied Honors Astronomy merely because they had a below-average grade in sophomore math?
At the end of the day, both sides have valid points. Yes, GPA is a helpful tool to ensure students are academically prepared. But it also runs the risk of limiting those who are ready to work hard and learn. Should AP classes be open to all? No. While ambition is important, AP courses demand a certain level of academic readiness that a GPA requirement helps to gauge. Without it, students may find themselves overwhelmed.
As Loyola students, our worth is not defined by an acceptance into an AP or Honors class. Instead, it is defined by our collective perseverance, creativity, and desire to learn.