Upcoming AP Exams by Maggie Loomis
Before too long, students at Saugatuck High School will be taking their 2024 AP exams. The exams will fall in early May, most within the second week. These AP exams are very important, and will determine if students receive college credit for their hard work. To receive college credit, a student must score at least a three. The scores range from one to five, with one being the worst and five being the best. If a student receives a one or a two, it is considered a fail on the exam and no colleges accept it as credit; however, if the student receives a three or greater, many colleges will accept it as credit. The more prestigious the school is, the higher score they will accept for credit. Additionally, some very prestigious schools will not accept these classes for credit.
All year, students have been preparing for these exams. The workload starts in the summer, with some summer assignments to introduce students to the material. Then, it stays constant throughout the school year. AP classes are seen as more advanced classes for students; therefore, the workload is not light. Some AP classes are less work than others, but all are difficult in their own ways. At Saugatuck, there is a limited amount of AP classes offered each year. Typically, teachers will switch back and forth between two classes every year, meaning many are offered every other year. This year the AP classes offered include: AP United States History, AP United States Government and Politics, AP Psychology, AP Literature, and AP computer science principles. These classes, unlike most others, run all three trimesters.
With very limited school days left until the exams, the classes are cranking down on the final material, and some are beginning to prepare for the lengthy exam. The exam for every class looks a little different, but generally it consists of a timed multiple choice portion and writing portion. After the exams are done, each class will vary on how it spends its time. Some will relax a bit and do more fun activities, while others will continue to explore their subject.
Overall, as the AP exams come closer, so does the end of the school year. Students are excited to be done, but will have to push through this last bit before summer break.
All year, students have been preparing for these exams. The workload starts in the summer, with some summer assignments to introduce students to the material. Then, it stays constant throughout the school year. AP classes are seen as more advanced classes for students; therefore, the workload is not light. Some AP classes are less work than others, but all are difficult in their own ways. At Saugatuck, there is a limited amount of AP classes offered each year. Typically, teachers will switch back and forth between two classes every year, meaning many are offered every other year. This year the AP classes offered include: AP United States History, AP United States Government and Politics, AP Psychology, AP Literature, and AP computer science principles. These classes, unlike most others, run all three trimesters.
With very limited school days left until the exams, the classes are cranking down on the final material, and some are beginning to prepare for the lengthy exam. The exam for every class looks a little different, but generally it consists of a timed multiple choice portion and writing portion. After the exams are done, each class will vary on how it spends its time. Some will relax a bit and do more fun activities, while others will continue to explore their subject.
Overall, as the AP exams come closer, so does the end of the school year. Students are excited to be done, but will have to push through this last bit before summer break.