May brings us closer to a relieving summer break, yet carries with it the dreaded AP exams. Previously, taking AP classes at Aragon came with the expectation of students taking the corresponding AP test. Though there were exceptions to this widely accepted regulation, most students did take the exams in May.
Recently, the San Mateo Union High School District adopted a new policy stating that students are no longer required to take AP exams and can still receive the GPA boost for any AP classes they are taking. However, even though the district has lessened the importance of AP exams, students should not excuse themselves from these exams in May.
One of the main reasons that students take AP classes in the first place is to acquire college credit. In order to receive credit for these classes, students need to take and pass the AP exam in order to show their competence and achievement in the subject area. Colleges want to verify that students understand the college-level course work through these AP exams.
Though colleges do look at students’ grades in their AP courses, the AP exams are a more standardized medium for the colleges to evaluate students’ achievements. Not taking the AP tests simply defeats the purpose of taking AP classes in the first place. The AP exams are indicators of the culmination of a year’s hard work.
A recent article published by The New York Times showed that taking tests is actually more effective than some other studying techniques. The journal Science “found that students who read a passage, then took a test asking them to recall what they had read, retained about 50 percent more of the information a week later than student who used two other methods.”
They also tested the two other methods of studying the material and drawing diagrams of information they had learned. Although these two methods are more popular, they were proven less useful by this experiment. Thus, AP tests may improve students’ ability to learn class material and benefit them for college courses in the future.
Some students protest the objectifying of their competence to a single score by not taking AP tests, but the SAT’s and ACT’s are still standardized tests required by colleges.
With the growing competition of college acceptance, students cannot beat the system. After going through the college application process, many seniors see the advantage of acquiring college credit for AP classes by taking the test because those who pass certain AP tests can receive credit and get ahead in college.
AP tests can pose a financial burden to some families with the high cost of $87 per exam, but financial difficulty should not stop a student from taking them. Both the federal government and Aragon offer extensive financial aid for AP tests. The price may be reduced to as low as $5 for financially qualified students.
Even if students do not meet the federal requirements for aid, Aragon can provide scholarships as long as there is a reasonable explanation for the financial hardship.
“Know thyself,” assistant principal Jim Coe says to the students who plan on taking AP courses in upcoming years.
AP course selection is an important and collaborative decision made by the student, parents, counselors and teachers. Students should go into these AP classes in August with no surprises regarding the course content and work load.
All AP teachers at Aragon are qualified educators whose curriculums are approved by the College Board and if students correctly prepare for the test, then no one should go into the exams expecting failure.
For some, it may seem futile to take a test they know they are not going to pass. But who’s ever heard of a perfect life without any mistakes? Sometimes, we need to go that extra mile and not be afraid to fall because we can stand up stronger.
As high school students who have to deal with more than just AP classes and managing a life, we often feel stressed out. But maybe 20 minutes less a day on Facebook will make all the difference. So, have some faith, study a bit, and give those exams a try.
