AP Exams – Rigourous and Worthwhile

17 May 2014Jared Bayley, Privett '16 Article and Photo

They’re sweaty, nervous, and feeling stressed to the point where the ability to see straight has been lost. They’re unable to sleep at night because the thought of what is about to take place is taking control of their mind and causing them to toss and turn uncontrollably. These are excellent ways to describe how many Grade 11 and 12s and several Grade 9 and 10 students were feeling last week. Worry was overwhelming their senses as they prepared for very important tests. These were no ordinary tests; these are Advanced Placement exams. Four Grade 9s, three Grade 10s, 51 Grade 11s, and 83 Grade 12 students will each write one or up to six of these exams in May. Many have already begun writing. Students have been working incredibly hard for the past month gearing up for the exams by taking notes, making and reviewing outlines, and nervously taking a try at practice exams to take note of how far they have progressed after innumerable hours of hardcore studying. You may ask what the big deal is about these AP exams. The wide array of AP courses offered at Brentwood range anywhere from Macroeconomics languages to Physics, and although they and their accompanying exams are extensive in length and challenge, there are many advantages to taking them. Successfully completing an AP course and getting a good mark on the exam is equivalent to receiving credit for a first year course in many universities across the world. Students will also finish the course feeling ready for the challenges they will face upon entering into university. Overall, AP courses are rigorously challenging but they leave students who successfully complete them with excellent skills. These skills bring them one step closer to being fully prepared for the new challenges university will pose. Furthermore, students will finish the AP courses feeling more confident and ready to tackle other challenges. Jared B, Privett ’16, Photo and Article

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