AP testing has arrived at Bob Jones High School, and students are either putting a lot of effort into their studying or they are just going to “take the L” and try the course again in college. Some students took the course because they wanted to get out of a college class, and some students took the course just because they could. Why students would go through the pain of taking an AP class with no intention of actually trying to pass the AP exam, I have no idea, but this occurs often.

Junior, Nathan Humpal said, “I’m taking the AP psychology and the AP language exams this year. I did not actually sign up for AP psychology; I wanted to take French 4, but the school put me in AP psych instead. I’ve been looking over the notes for these classes. I’m not going to study groups or anything… I’m too lazy. I’ll probably just find some psychology quizlets and study those a bunch of times.”

While there are tired upperclassmen like Nathan, there are also nervous freshman like Tanjeed Hasan, who said, “I only have one AP test: world history. This is my first ever AP test. I’ve been spending a lot of time getting ready for the exam; I’ve been reading and taking notes. Mrs. Scott is doing a great job helping us prepare. The only thing getting me through is the fact that I get to check out once I’m done.”

It is often the case that lowerclassmen study harder for their AP tests and other final exams. This is because they have never taken a final in high school before, so they have no idea exactly how much they have to study in order for them to pass. Upperclassmen are usually the ones to slack off and just slide by. They are usually tired of school and just want to graduate. This does not mean that they do not work hard, but they are better at managing their time; they know how to study, what to study, and the least amount of time they have to study.

Senior Johnathan Hampton is different than most upperclassmen. He said, “I just have three AP tests: biology, literature, and calculus. For some reason, the test I’m most nervous for is AP calculus. I have been working on the worksheets Ms. Tarter has given the class, I’ve been working in an AP calculus workbook, and I have been doing mock exams. I’ve been getting fours on the mock exams, but I want a five.”

AP Calculus teacher, Ms. Tarter, said, “I think that my students will do well. I can’t take the test for them.”

Whether you are a freshman who is scrambling trying to study for your very first AP exam or you are a senior just counting down the minutes until graduation, you should at least attempt to pass your AP exam. You do not want to have to take the same awful class over again in college. Look over those notes that your teacher gave you and study your heart out. Do not fail.