Trojans are highly restricted by the limit on the number of weighted classes (AP, Honors, Dual/Concurrent enrollment) a student can take. Weighted classes offer students an extra GPA point.
Students are limited to four weighted classes each year with only three AP classes, likely due to worries over stress and the ability of students to be able to dedicate themselves enough to excel in these classes.
They are also limited to the number of college classes they are allowed to take over the summer with only two for incoming seniors and only one for all other grades according to the MHS 2024-25 school profile. Furthermore, only juniors and seniors are allowed to take college classes during the school year, under the limit.
However, 60% out of 110 respondents said that they don’t feel stressed with their AP courseload, according to a survey by The Union. It appears reasonable to remove the problematic limit on weighted classes.
Firstly, the limit restricts the potential of high-achieving students.
From the survey, we see many students want to take more weighted classes. Oftentimes, students’ schedules work out to make it easy for them to do so.
The limit cuts down the amount of challenging coursework a student can take while also depriving them of the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school and save on college tuition.
It also decreases college readiness and the knowledge students have when they matriculate.
Another issue is that the limit makes students’ college applications less competitive as colleges do not know about our limit in detail.
Admissions officers understand the context of the student’s application using the school profile, sent by the school to colleges every year. The official MHS school profile for 2024-25, while it does state students are limited to three AP classes, makes no mention of the constraints of the weighted class limit and restrictions on college classes.
These policies are a detriment to the college applications of students as it appears to universities that students do not push themselves in school as much as students in our County do, making students seem less prepared comparatively.
Admissions officers review by state, according to an article on the website Collegemoneytips written by an admission professional. When applications are compared to other schools in Santa Clara County, students face the disadvantage of having “fewer” weighted classes. It appears that MHS students are less ambitious and prepared for college in the view of college admissions officers.
Overall, the limits on weighted classes work against students and limit potential as seen through comparatively low acceptances to lives and top 20 colleges.