What you need to know about AP Exams

While in highschool it’s common for students to enroll in AP courses. AP stands for Advanced Placement. This is beneficial to take while you are in high school because it gives you more opportunities compared to a general course. AP courses can earn you college credit, stand out on transcripts and get you ahead in some college institutions by skipping an introductory course. Usually if a student takes an AP course, they will take the AP Exam that is offered for an additional cost.

Making the Decision

The choice to take what you learned all year and apply it to the AP Exam is totally up to you. If you are just interested in knowing more and being able to prove that you endured the course, then just taking the course may be enough for you.

However, if you are a student who is interested in gaining college credit or you want to stand out on your high school transcripts, then taking the AP Exam is the way to go. By taking the exam and passing, it proves that you have endured an advanced course and are a dedicated student who is eager to learn more. 

Pros/Cons of Taking an AP Exam

The Pros: 

• Looks great on a high-school transcript
• You become more educated
• Your work ethic improves
• Can help you jumpstart your college education

The Cons:

• Time consuming
• Exams are an out of pocket expense
• You may not pass, meaning you won’t receive  college credit 

How To Prepare for The AP Exam 

1. Take advantage of your Teacher
   • Most high schools who offer AP Courses, usually have dedicated teachers who will go above and beyond to prepare you for the exam by providing extra resources and review time. If you are struggling, ask for some extra help! 
2. Set time aside every week
   • You want to make sure that you dedicate more than enough time for this exam. By spending an extra hour every week reviewing material, your mind will retain more information and be more familiarized. After in-class tests, look at the areas you could have improved upon and spend more time reviewing those topics.
3. Don’t fall behind
   • Attend all your classes and stay on top of all assignments. This is an advanced course that you are taking to prepare you, treat it that way. Be sure to stay ahead of the game by reviewing both old and new material.
4. Practice, practice, practice
   • Purchasing an AP practice book and completing practice tests can be a great way to get a good idea of what the real exam may look like. The more you practice and study, the better off you will be!

Keep in Mind

The results of your AP Exam are in your hands! Spend enough time reviewing and preparing for it. Your hard work will pay off.

If you have made the decision to take the AP Exam,  note that the deadline to register is in November. Make sure you are fully committed to taking the exam prior to registering. Good luck!