The oldest STEM students are just beginning to experience one of the most rigorous requirements of the program, the AP tests.

Students enrolled in any Advanced Placement (AP) course may choose to take the corresponding test in May. Students can earn college credit by taking these AP tests, but may opt out if they do not feel prepared. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students do not have this option.

“We are trying to get [STEM students] ready for college,” STEM counselor Fred Mann said.  “And AP tests, do not only give the opportunity to get college credit, but they’re also giving opportunity to do a test where you’re in the same environment as you would be in a college test.”

Students in the STEM Diploma program are required to take a minimum of three AP courses throughout high school, while STEM Scholar students will take at least seven (these numbers do not include electives). This means that at $89 per test, students will spend at least $267 to $623 on these tests alone. The school, however, provides financial aid for those who are unable to pay this cost.

This requirement will not have as large of an impact until next year. The first STEM students are juniors and will be taking a larger load of AP classes.

“I’m going to be very stressed,” freshman STEM Scholar student Chris Debruyn said. “But I feel like it’s going to prepare me for college.”

Mann admitted that the pressure of being required to take so many tests in one year could potentially cause students to drop the program.

“This program is not for everybody,” he said. “The program is for kids who are motivated academically.”

Other STEM requirements include maintaining a certain weighted GPA (3.8 for Scholar and 3.5 for Diploma), complete summer workshops, and take more math and science courses than traditionally required.

Battling through the rigorous four years is worth it in the end for STEM students, not only is recognition given at graduation, but in their future education they will be ahead of many others.