AP Exams: A complete synopsis

Many students make the decision to take one, or more, Advanced Placement classes. Students put in an immense amount of work; therefore, it is essential for students to score high on these exams.

Chemistry teacher Mary Heitmann expresses her optimism for the tests because students in prior years have scored  so highly.

“We are actually spending all of fourth quarter, so an entire month reviewing for the AP exams,” Heitmann says.

English teacher Cindy Pino also prepares her students extensively.

“Junior AP, the whole curriculum is based on the end product, which is the AP exams. So we practice for it, write for it, do lessons for it. They are very prepared when they go into the test,” she says.

Unlike most quizzes and exams, there isn’t a whole lot students can do outside of the classroom. Heitmann says students should have purchased study guides for their AP courses. They should also spend some time going over what they learned in class to insure their success.

“The only thing I would hope that they would do,” Pino says, “is watch news reports every once in awhile. Because sometimes the biggest detriment to their taking the test is: they aren’t aware of world events.”

The only thing I would hope that they would do, is watch news reports every once in awhile. Because sometimes the biggest detriment to their taking the test is: they aren’t aware of world events.

— Cindy Pino

Pino also conveys her confidence in her students success. She explains that our scores are high above the national average.

Junior Hayley Young says: “My teachers definitely spent a lot of time preparing us. We have been going over lessons regarding the exams. The AP classes are definitely a challenge though, you need to put in a lot of work, especially before the tests.”

Sophomore Rylee Robbins agrees,” Its learning how be proficient in all areas of the subject. It’s all about balance.”

Pino tells her students to come to school well rested with a positive mindset, and remember that their english teachers are going to be providing breakfast. Pino stresses that students need a good pen because they will be writing 3 essays. Heitmann agrees and explains students should bring in bottled water, an appropriate calculator with extra batteries, and pencils.

Students shouldn’t be overly stressed; their teachers have been preparing them and it is essential for them to go into the exams believing in their abilities and not leave any room for doubt.