Testing Takes It’s Toll

Students Take Advanced Placement Tests.

Testing+Takes+Its+Toll

Maxie Eller, Newspaper Editor-In-Chief

From March 3 to March 14, students across the United States, including those at Heritage, took part in AP testing distributed by Collegeboard to qualify for college credit for the AP classes that they took this year. 

Collegeboard, the company that produces the coursework for AP classes and the AP tests, said that “AP gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they’re in high school. And through taking AP Exams, students can earn college credit and placement.”

AP classes cover a variety of subjects ranging from history to science to art. Students are assessed on their ability to recall information from their coursework and apply that knowledge to further understanding and real-life situations. 

“I took AP US History, AP Lang, and AP Chemistry,” Jessica Mendoza (11) said. “I over-stressed myself out for what it was. The hard part was mentally psyching myself out. Overall though, I think I did pretty good.” 

The tests themselves were taken on paper and took multiple hours to complete. Each test typically consists of a multiple-choice section and a free-response section with the exception of a few courses, such as AP Art and Design. Teachers have prepped their students for the tests from the beginning of the year, tailoring their classes to best help students pass the exams. 

“I took AP Human Geography, “ Brooklyn Logue (9) said. “I bought the AP test book and did some reviewing in that. I felt good about it until I actually opened the test which was crazy hard. I think I did okay. It’s the questions part that I’m worried about.” 

Students reviewed for the tests by studying notes, reading test prep materials, watching videos, or reviewing a combination of materials. 

“Just collect all of the resources that you are provided throughout the year as you get them and put them into a document and review that,” Kate Clarke (9) said. “After taking practice tests, Quizlets, and Kahoots, make note of topics that you’re not the strongest in or good at remembering and focus on those when you study. Also, buying a book is not a bad idea. “

AP tests are scored on a scale from one to five, with three being a passing score and five being a perfect score. Colleges typically look for a score of three or above when considering extra college credit and class schedules. 

“The easy part was taking the test,” Mendoza said. “I think going into it I was well prepared by my teachers. The trick is to don’t overthink it and just prepare yourself as much as you can. Chemistry was rough, though. I didn’t study very much for it so that was on my part.” 

Test grading will begin in early June, and scores will be released by mid-July. Students can access their scores when they release on the Collegeboard website at www.collegeboard.org. 

“Overall, testing really wasn’t that bad,” Clarke said. “You just have to make sure you study and pay attention in class. I feel good about what I did and proud of my progress this year. It was definitely worth it.”