AP Testing 2022-23 School Year

Advanced Placement (AP) exams, the bane of many students’ existence and a major stressor nationwide, will be taking place the first and second week of May for the 2022-23 school year. Schools each offer a number of AP courses where students are meant to be taught at a higher, more collegiate level throughout the year and end with the culminating exam provided to students by the College Board. The exams are then graded on a scale of 1-5 with scores of three or higher typically being considered passing. Each university has different requirements for each test, but the goal is to score a high enough grade on the exam to earn additional college credit while still in high school. 

Most teachers at Sultana High School (SHS) typically offer some kind of incentive for students who choose to take the AP exam, prior to this year in which exams were made mandatory. Most teachers exempt students from having to complete their class final if they register for the exam. Shane Haldeman, the AP Environmental Science teacher at Sultana high school explained that the incentives he offers include, “I feed them on the day of the test.  If you take the AP Test you are exempt from the class final.  (non-seniors) If you score a 5 your grade moves up to an A (If needed), 4 to a B (if needed), and 3 to a C (If needed).  This does not apply to seniors as we don’t usually receive scores until July.” About half of the teachers have finished teaching all of their course material, but they all still feel rather confident in their students’ abilities.

Most students, though nervous, feel relatively prepared for their upcoming exams and have been taking advantage of tutoring and online resources. When asked what advice she’d give to other students Brianna Abbott, a senior at SHS, said “I know a few teachers hold tutoring sessions before school, during lunch, and after school that people should take advantage of. Our 4B study hall was great for this, but that’s a different story… Don’t cram/study for long periods of time. Take breaks and reward yourself.” Additionally, Avry Rowland, a senior at SHS, explains what resources she suggests, “Taking the AP classes but for me, since I am not in any of the AP classes, has been finding things on my own. Using the AP Classroom, Khan Academy, PDFs of old AP Exams, and practice FRQs on college boards’ websites.” Her study advice is to “Do it yourself. Don’t do what you’re doing in class to help you study. Find your own material and find all the practice tests. The more you practice the more you’re going to get done. I’m not in any AP Classes. I have been working with online sources for studying. I know that my way is impractical but I didn’t want to stress myself out with the class when I can just take the test for free and pass. I am doing it my own way. I don’t cram. I get a good night’s rest and I eat a good breakfast. I look over things in the morning but there is no point to stress.” 

The way a student prepared the morning of the exams is also important. Aside from getting some extra studying done, Rolando Romero, a senior at Sultana high school, recommends that students “Sleep early, eat a light breakfast, drink energy drinks and brain vitamins, and bring snacks and water.” It is important that students take care of their health and try not to stress themselves out too much, regardless of the score you receive on the exam, be proud of all you have already achieved.