The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of advanced students who live in poverty and their choices regarding taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Ten urban high school students were interviewed regarding their decision-making process regarding coursework to investigate supports or barriers that exist. Four themes became apparent: Gifted students take advanced classes for challenge and to decrease boredom; internalized messages about what it means to be smart influenced decisions regarding taking advanced classes; external influences could apply positive or negative pressure that affect the decision to take AP courses; and it is difficult for gifted students to find balance between the stress of the AP workload and time management with working and trying to fit in other interests. The themes reflected the complex interplay of internal and external forces that influence whether or not students take AP courses regardless of high academic ability.

这项研究的目的是探讨生活在贫困中的高级学生的生活经验，以及他们选择高级进修（AP）课程的选择。采访了十名城市高中学生的有关课程工作的决策过程，以调查存在的支持或障碍。四个主题变得显而易见：有才华的学生参加高级课程以应对挑战并减少无聊；内在的信息，即聪明意味着什么，影响了参加高级班的决策；外部影响可能会施加正压力或负压力，从而影响参加AP课程的决定；资优学生很难在AP工作量的压力和时间管理以及工作和尝试适应其他兴趣之间找到平衡。