AP Season has Arrived

By DEREK PERRI

May fifth marks the start of a week many high school students have been stressing about since school started in the fall. The Advanced Placement tests began this past Monday. The AP program is run by College Board, the same people that make the SAT. 

Advanced Placement (AP) classes offer students a chance to experience college-level coursework while still in high school, and many are taking advantage of the opportunity. With the potential to earn college credit, improve their GPA, and stand out on college applications, AP classes are becoming more popular among motivated students.

“I am taking AP Environmental Science this year and Calc BC,” expressed senior Jeff Carola. “They are definitely rigorous classes that require a lot of hard work and dedication, but I am proud of all the hard work I put in. I feel like they have helped me push myself to become the best student I can be.”

One major benefit of AP classes is the academic preparation they provide. Students gain in-depth knowledge and develop skills such as critical thinking, time management, and academic writing. AP exams, which are held each May, also give students a chance to earn college credit. This can save both time and money in the future.

Washingtonville graduate Joel Trocino took AP Environmental Science, AP US History, and AP Calculus BC during his time at Washingtonville High School and he stated, “I was lucky enough to have all those credits transfer allowing me to take classes more specific to my major.”

However, the difficulty of AP courses can create challenges. Heavy workloads, high expectations, and added stress are common struggles. “There were nights I stayed up past midnight studying,” explained senior Julianna Powzaniuk, who took AP chemistry and calc AB this year. “Balancing APs with sports and other activities was the hardest part.”

Teachers believe that, although AP classes are demanding, they help prepare students for the realities of college life. “The goal is not just to pass the exam,” stated Mr. Shultz, who teaches AP Calc AB. “It is to grow as a student and truly learn the material so you have a better knowledge of the topics in college.”

As more students sign up for AP courses, schools are providing more support. They offer tutoring, time management workshops, and activities to help students manage stress during exam season.

For students who are thinking about taking AP classes, the most important thing is to understand their own limits and interests. With the right mindset and support, AP classes can be a valuable part of the high school experience.