With May just about here, many of our juniors and seniors are preparing for their AP tests, hoping to get that coveted 3 or higher to be able to put towards college admissions.
The AP test represents the culmination of a year’s effort for many students. AP courses are designed to be a challenge. The payoff, if they succeed on the test, is massive.
“AP testing represents an opportunity to get ahead before I go to college, and a way to save some money during college,” said junior Parker Anderson. ” I think the AP exams will be interesting to take, but really, I’ll just be excited to be finished with all of my AP tests.”
Many students feel anxious about the upcoming tests.
“Right now, I think most of what I’m feeling about the exams is a feeling of calm before the storm,” said senior Aidan Kyte. “I think in a week or two I will probably be much more stressed.”
Students have many ways to study before testing. Going over old work, getting practice on websites, and studying from AP test prep books are just a few ways to get ready.
“I’ve been going to Khan Academy and using the plethora of resources that Khan Academy provides for AP courses, which have been extremely beneficial,” said Anderson.
Kyte also shared how he was preparing for his AP German test.
“My preparation has consisted of consistent practice, both in and out of class,” said Kyte. “For example, I’ve been using my phone [language setting as] German as a way to help prepare for the AP German exam.”
But the students aren’t left to fend for themselves. Their teachers are constantly preparing them for all elements of the test throughout the year, as the curriculum is centralized around the end goal.
History Teacher Alex Grogman shared how he prepares his APUSH students.
“The whole course is modeled for getting students prepared for the test. Practice MCQs and writing prompts are all taken from old AP tests. Lesson plans are built with primary sources they might see on the exam,” said Grogman. “When crafting lesson plans I ask myself. Would doing this get a kid closer to a 5? If the answer is no, it’s scrapped. I always tell students that the class is hard so the test is easy.”
Many teachers feel their students will succeed on their upcoming exams.
“From my experience, they buckle down and focus,” said AP Government teacher Laura Larson.
“YES!” said Grogman. “They are trained killers.”
