Complexity of AP Tests Affright A Lot of Students
By Abigail Shlimenzon
By Abigail Shlimenzon
Advanced Placement classes have always been seen as intimidating and many students avoid them solely because of their negative reputation. However, if they choose a subject that they, are passionate about and enjoy, an AP class can be very educational and fulfilling.
One of the key components of an AP class is to help prepare students for the AP exams that come at the end of the year. This year’s exams are fast approaching, the first tests start on Monday, May 2 and the last are on Friday, May 13.
Although students spend all year preparing for these tests, some still feel overwhelmed by the advanced content and end up dreading the upcoming tests. And with many students taking multiple AP classes, the pressure to do well can increase significantly.
“Who in their right mind would be excited about AP testing? Heck to the no, I am not excited to torture myself for three plus hours four times,” said Ezekiel McClintock, 11.
Other students, such as Daya Kumaran, 11, have a more positive outlook on the upcoming tests.
“I am a little bit excited to take the AP tests. I always see these tests as a fun challenge, and I feel very relieved when they are over,” said Kumaran.
Tests that cover a year’s worth of college material and determine whether students will receive college credits for the efforts they put into their AP classes can be stressful and intimidating. However, many students found different study techniques that have helped them feel better prepared for this large undertaking. Sarah-Ann Vu, 11, like many other students, found that sometimes the best way to study is to get a new perspective that looks at a topic under a different light.
“My favorite study technique has been looking at outside resources when reviewing material. Getting a different explanation sometimes helps me to understand the material better,” said Vu.
Another great way to help solidify your understanding of a material is to study with others.
“Personally I find it hard to focus by myself and working with friends gives you a good motivation boost,” said McClintock.
Although AP tests are important, many students can get solely fixated on them when there is a lot more to AP classes.
“I like that the AP classes dive deeper into topics than regular courses,” said Kumaran. “They provide more of a challenge and I get to learn more advanced material in subjects that I am especially interested in, like math and science.”
Studying for an AP test is really important but staying on top of your work, just like in any other class, is even more crucial for students looking to succeed in their AP class.
“Don’t fall behind because you’re scared of asking questions,” said Andrew Mauga, 11.
The pandemic has also affected how AP classes are structured, just like with everything else.
AP English Language and Literature teacher Michelle Bowman, explained how COVID made it harder for students in their classes as they have to balance a much larger workload. Due to this obstacle many teachers have been making changes to how their classes are run.
“[The class] has become more streamlined and I have been trying not to throw too much at a student but really thinking and reflecting on what is necessary to do as well, and looking at that and breaking it down,” said Bowman.
Although teachers try to make changes to help meet students’ needs, the time and learning lost due to the pandemic is substantial, making classes that are already meant to be challenging even more so.
“For me it has been hard,” said Mauga. “I basically started junior year as a freshman. Because of COVID, my first year was cut short and I feel like I lost a significant amount of what I could have been now. Despite that, though, giving up is never an option.”
Despite all these setbacks, the best way to do well in and get the most out of an AP class and test is to take it on a topic you are sincerely interested in and looking to gain deeper knowledge in.
“In AP classes there is a lot of material that you have to learn and it is much easier to absorb everything when you really want to learn it,” said Kumaran.
One of the key components of an AP class is to help prepare students for the AP exams that come at the end of the year. This year’s exams are fast approaching, the first tests start on Monday, May 2 and the last are on Friday, May 13.
Although students spend all year preparing for these tests, some still feel overwhelmed by the advanced content and end up dreading the upcoming tests. And with many students taking multiple AP classes, the pressure to do well can increase significantly.
“Who in their right mind would be excited about AP testing? Heck to the no, I am not excited to torture myself for three plus hours four times,” said Ezekiel McClintock, 11.
Other students, such as Daya Kumaran, 11, have a more positive outlook on the upcoming tests.
“I am a little bit excited to take the AP tests. I always see these tests as a fun challenge, and I feel very relieved when they are over,” said Kumaran.
Tests that cover a year’s worth of college material and determine whether students will receive college credits for the efforts they put into their AP classes can be stressful and intimidating. However, many students found different study techniques that have helped them feel better prepared for this large undertaking. Sarah-Ann Vu, 11, like many other students, found that sometimes the best way to study is to get a new perspective that looks at a topic under a different light.
“My favorite study technique has been looking at outside resources when reviewing material. Getting a different explanation sometimes helps me to understand the material better,” said Vu.
Another great way to help solidify your understanding of a material is to study with others.
“Personally I find it hard to focus by myself and working with friends gives you a good motivation boost,” said McClintock.
Although AP tests are important, many students can get solely fixated on them when there is a lot more to AP classes.
“I like that the AP classes dive deeper into topics than regular courses,” said Kumaran. “They provide more of a challenge and I get to learn more advanced material in subjects that I am especially interested in, like math and science.”
Studying for an AP test is really important but staying on top of your work, just like in any other class, is even more crucial for students looking to succeed in their AP class.
“Don’t fall behind because you’re scared of asking questions,” said Andrew Mauga, 11.
The pandemic has also affected how AP classes are structured, just like with everything else.
AP English Language and Literature teacher Michelle Bowman, explained how COVID made it harder for students in their classes as they have to balance a much larger workload. Due to this obstacle many teachers have been making changes to how their classes are run.
“[The class] has become more streamlined and I have been trying not to throw too much at a student but really thinking and reflecting on what is necessary to do as well, and looking at that and breaking it down,” said Bowman.
Although teachers try to make changes to help meet students’ needs, the time and learning lost due to the pandemic is substantial, making classes that are already meant to be challenging even more so.
“For me it has been hard,” said Mauga. “I basically started junior year as a freshman. Because of COVID, my first year was cut short and I feel like I lost a significant amount of what I could have been now. Despite that, though, giving up is never an option.”
Despite all these setbacks, the best way to do well in and get the most out of an AP class and test is to take it on a topic you are sincerely interested in and looking to gain deeper knowledge in.
“In AP classes there is a lot of material that you have to learn and it is much easier to absorb everything when you really want to learn it,” said Kumaran.