The AP Lit Challenge: How hard is it?

I'm thinking of adding AP Lit to my schedule next year, but I've heard mixed reviews. Can anyone who's taken it give me an idea of how hard it actually is?

As with any AP class, the level of difficulty for AP Literature will vary depending on your individual learning style, interest in the material, and prior experience with similar work. That said, many students describe AP Lit as one of the more challenging AP subjects, in part because it requires a deep analysis of complex texts and the ability to write insightful, well-structured essays.

The course covers several works of literature, including novels, plays, and poetry, from various periods and cultural backgrounds. It demands a high level of comprehension and the skill to draw out themes, infer authors' intentions, and form your own interpretations of the text. If you consider yourself a fast reader who enjoys reading and understanding complex texts, then you may find the course more manageable.

A significant portion of the AP Lit exam involves writing essays, so if writing is a strength of yours, this could play in your favor. On the other hand, if writing analytical essays is a challenge for you, be prepared to put in some extra effort.

Additionally, much will depend on your teacher's approach to the course. Some teachers might assign heavily loaded homework or hold very intensive class discussions, making the course more demanding.

So, while AP Lit is by no means an easy AP class, that doesn't mean it's unattainable or a poor choice. If you're a dedicated student with an interest in literature and are willing to put in the effort to build your analytical reading and writing skills, you may find the course not only manageable but also highly rewarding.