It’s also important to recognize that this pressure affects a growing number of students. Over the past two decades, AP participation has surged, with the annual growth rate of AP course enrollment at about 9.3%. In 2022 alone, nearly 1.2 million students from the graduating class took over 4 million AP exams. For many, these courses represent both an opportunity to excel and a challenge to endure.

Understanding why students might struggle in November—and how you can help them manage—can make a big difference.

Why AP Students Hit the Wall in November

1. Heavy Workload: AP classes are designed to mirror college-level courses, with rigorous curriculums and tight timelines. By November, students face multiple exams, project deadlines, and assignments, all of which can feel overwhelming, even to the most organized students.
2. Grade Pressures: By this time, students have typically taken several tests and quizzes, and their grades begin to solidify. For students aiming for strong results, the importance of scoring well can add to the challenge of managing AP coursework.
3. Increasing Participation, Increasing Pressure: With 34.6% of U.S. public high school graduates now taking at least one AP exam, the AP experience is no longer confined to a select few. A larger and more diverse group of students is encountering these challenges, and each year, more are likely to feel the effects of the AP wall.

How Parents Can Help Their AP Students Push Through

Supporting your child through November's AP challenges can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how:

1. Encourage Prioritization and Planning: Help your student break tasks into manageable steps and set realistic goals. Reviewing upcoming deadlines, exams, and projects together can provide a structure that keeps them on track.
2. Highlight the Importance of Self-Care: Self-care is essential for staying focused and energized. Encourage your child to get enough sleep, eat well, and take breaks, even when their schedule feels packed. Physical activities, like a short walk or a quick workout, can relieve stress and recharge their energy.
3. Be a Supportive Listener: Sometimes, students just need to talk things out. Listen to their concerns without jumping to solutions right away. Validating their feelings can help ease their stress and create space for them to work through solutions with your support.
4. Consider Working with a Tutor: AP courses can be challenging, and sometimes an experienced tutor can help clarify difficult material, guide study strategies, and reduce stress. Many schools offer tutoring sessions, or you could consider a private tutor for more tailored support.
5. Encourage Use of School Resources: Many schools offer study groups or sessions specifically for AP students. Connecting with these resources can provide both academic support and a sense of community.
6. Reframe Success: It’s easy for students to focus solely on grades, but remind them of the broader goals of AP classes—whether it’s building resilience, earning college credit, or gaining deeper knowledge in a subject. This can help shift their focus from individual assignments to the bigger picture.

As AP course participation continues to grow, so do the challenges students face in balancing rigorous academics with other responsibilities. With the right support, parents can help their students break through the AP wall, building resilience and skills that will serve them well in college and beyond.