AP Students Prepare for Exams

By Matthew Hendricks

As AP exam season begins, students and teachers at Pen Argyl Area High School are ready for one of the most demanding times of the school year. AP exams were created by the College Board, allowing students to take college-level courses and potentially earn college credit through testing near the end of the school year.

According to guidance counselor Eric Sampson, the AP exams are under a national schedule. For example, every student in the United States who takes a certain exam takes that exam at roughly the same time.

  Sampson said, "AP Exams are scheduled by the College Board. All students around the country take the exams at roughly the same time, on the same dates."

Sampson added that there were not any major changes to the exams since last year. The exam is on the same schedule.

Sampson said, “The first exam was Monday May 4th, and our last exam was scheduled for Tuesday May 12th."

Teachers also played a major role in preparing students throughout the years of test-taking. AP Statistics teacher Mr. Meyers explained how early he and all teachers nationwide start preparing to teach these students the proper education they need to be able to take the test.

Meyers said, “I start planning for AP Exams from day one. Every test question is a former AP question, This includes multiple choice questions and Free Response questions.”

Adding that his goal is to help students not only pass the test, but also apply what they learned in his class into real-life situations. Meyers also pointed out recent updates to testing formats.

  Meyers said, “The College Board did transition to using Bluebook, meaning that multiple choice questions are now electronic, not on paper and pencil."

AP Biology teacher, Rebbeca Raso, described how students built their skills over time. 

Raso said, “Throughout the course, students are given several practice problems and exams to help become familiar with the test format,”

 She also noted that students were expected to go beyond memorization, saying, “Students not only learn the content, but are expected to apply their knowledge of key concepts to application-based questions.”

Raso also highlighted a broader shift in AP exams.

  Raso said, “In recent years, AP exams have shifted toward more of an emphasis on analytical thinking and data interpretation rather than simple memorization,”

Both teachers emphasized the importance of AP courses for students' futures. Meyers explained that AP exams can help students, saying “They can allow students to earn college credits… shorten their overall time in college and save significant money,”

  While also preparing them for college-level work. Similarly, Raso said the exams are valuable because they give students the opportunity to earn credits for college.

  Raso said, “offering students the opportunity to earn college credit, challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, and develop study habits necessary for higher education.”

As AP testing comes to an end, students at Pen Argyl are balancing exam preparation with their regular classes and activities. While the process can be stressful, it also provides an opportunity for students to challenge themselves and prepare for future academic and career goals.