Each May, high school students nationwide face one of their biggest academic challenges of the year; AP Exams. AP Exams are administered by the College Board, which test the knowledge of students on college-level material. These exams range from Math to Biology to History and much more. For most courses you need a three out of five to receive the credits for the course. 

However, while these exams offer a big opportunity, they can also cause immense pressure. 

Most students juggle their AP classes, extracurriculars, part time jobs and regular classes. There are two weeks in May allotted for the exams, which makes this season of May filled with study guides and practice tests.

Senior Luke Fierro, who is taking AP Human Geography, AP Government and Politics, and AP Art gave a word of advice to his peers that are taking AP Exams. Fierro stated, “Study multiple nights before the exam because you cannot cram everything into one night.”

At JCHS, teachers have been holding after school and in class review sessions and recommending online resources to assist their students in preparing for the exam. Yet, the stress still holds students down making it hard to juggle four different things at once. 

Not all colleges award credit the same way, some accept scores of three where others require four or five, and some don’t offer AP credits. 

Many students believe that the challenge is worth it. AP classes help to develop the skills of time management, critical thinking and study skills; which will benefit students in the long run. 

Best of luck to everyone taking their AP Exams!!!