Preparing for AP

By Ashley Deavers
For the Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT March 31, 2008 11:12 pm

— The Advanced Placement students at East Fairmont High School are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the impending AP exams.
The exams are all given in May, and most students are apprehensive of taking the tests. If a student fails the exams, he/she does not get the AP credit on his/her transcript.
Consequently, it is imperative that students study intensively in attempts to pass the exams. The exams are in no way simple, and it is quite an accomplishment for a person to be able to say he/she passed.
However, the stress of the upcoming tests can sometimes become overwhelming. Several students were asked how they cope with the stress the tests put on them, what studying tactics they have found to be most helpful, and any advice to underclassmen interested in taking AP classes?
“I try to always keep a positive outlook of the upcoming exams, and I never put myself down. I attempt to study a little bit each evening before I go to bed, and I review vocabulary words and review sheets. My advice to underclassmen is to make sure to read your textbook, and go beyond what is expected of you,” said Jeremy Ervin.
“I tell myself that as long as I know that I did my best, pass or fail, I’ll be happy. As far as studying goes, I prepare weeks in advance, and I try to review a small amount each night. My advice to underclassmen is don’t take the class if you aren’t dedicated because you can’t just slide by in an AP class,” said Mollie Green.
“I have found that studying in groups is very beneficial because you can ask each other questions and hear the information out loud rather than trying to just read quietly and absorb it all. My advice to underclassmen would be to try to avoid last-minute cramming, and instead study periodically throughout the year,” said Jill Saurborn.
“I try to just stay calm, and if I find myself too overwhelmed, I take a break from the subject for a while. I try to juggle studying with my work and social life. It is sometimes difficult, but I still manage to get the task done. My advice to underclassmen is the night before the exam, get a full night of sleep and remember to eat something peppermint. It helps to stimulate the brain,” said Stormee Satterfield.
The students who have previously taken AP exams know that the tests are definitely challenging, and it takes dedication, determination and self-discipline to pass them. In the end, the students discover that it is worth all of the hard work and stress because if they pass the exams, they get college credit. It is common knowledge that any kind of free college credit is both wanted and needed. That is why it is so important for underclassmen to take advantage of the AP classes because they are free courses that a person can take and possibly receive free college credit.
Remember to wish any students taking an AP Exam good luck!

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