AP Testing

With the year coming to an end, AP testing is on the horizon. Students have prepared all year long for these exams, and the stress is undoubtedly present. However, junior Lilly Snider adds that the stress ultimately is worth it.

"I think that AP tests are worth the stress. After doing 10 months of hard work, you are expected to show that to a stranger in a three-hour test to possibly earn college credit, saving money and time," said Snider. "When viewed from this perspective, this short test (compared to the amount of time spent in the class and work done outside the class), is extremely daunting."

The balance of taking care of oneself while also prioritizing studies is in general extremely difficult – let alone for high school students, who can have a vast amount of extracurricular activities they are involved in.

Throughout the course of the year for Snider, she has had to balance, cheer, tennis, AP testing, clubs, her personal life and most importantly, stress. This is not Snider's first go-around with AP tests, considering she started AP tests as a sophomore. "Last year and this year, I have prioritized my AP tests by looking into what I am most comfortable with and the pass rates of the exam," said Snider. "For exams with low pass rates in the past, I spend extra time preparing for these tests, rather than the topics I understand thoroughly."

AP testing ranges from subjectslike Government, Physics, Art, and a long list of others. Snider specifically has five AP Exams coming up. "I am taking five AP exams: Psychology, Physics 1, Language and Composition, Chemistry and Calculus AB. As far as in-class preparation, I have done the most for AP Chem, Physics 1 and Calc AB," said Snider. "However, I have spent a lot of time with psychology, given it is not an AP course offered at Plainfield."

AP tests come and go, often with new AP courses filtering in. In Snider's opinion, she noted that she would prefer an AP class related to Anatomy and Physiology. "While Plainfield offers Honors Anatomy and Physiology alongside PLTW: Human Body Systems, there is no AP class for students seeking college credit or a furthered education in the subject," said Snider.

With her own experience, Snider advised students to prepare for AP tests like they would a long race. "As you would train your body for a long race, you must train your mind for a long test. I find it most effective to take multiple mock exams released from past years," said Snider. "Not only does this give you a chance to take such a lengthy test, but it can also provide insight into the topics you should review."

If anything, Snider highly recommended practice above all else. "I would advise students taking their first AP exam this year to practice, practice, practice," said Snider.

Story by Ruby Woodson