The AP exams represent the culmination of college-level work in a given discipline in the secondary school setting. The exams take place in May at the end of the school year.

Taking an AP class can better prepare high school juniors and seniors for college level classes. The exam is a chance to get a college credit for when entering as a freshman. If the student scores at least a three, 50%, on the test then a credit is given at many colleges.

Getting a three may seem like a breeze but that is not always the case.

Fox business said, “According to a recent study by The College Board, nearly 50% of high school students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses do not pass the exams to qualify for college credit.”

AP classes are filled with great amounts of information crammed into a short period of time. In order to be fully prepared for the exam come May the students and teachers have to work together in order to be ready and successful.

This amount of work load can be very stressful for most students because they simply aren’t used to the amount of work and being able to balance it with other classes.

Junior Allie Klein, enrolled in AP Psychology and Language, said, “The amount of work can definitely be overwhelming at times. I try and manage my time as well as I can which of course is stressful at times. I do believe that taking these classes have better prepared me for college.”

The exams take place in May every year. They cost around $100 which is significantly lower than the cost of a college course. Most of the tests include two parts. Part one, multiple choice and part two, free response.

AP Psychology teacher, John Bierbaum, said, “I think this class is a good challenge for students and can provide them with preparation for college. With my class being only one semester it can be tough to fit all the information needed before the exam, but I believe the students all have the potential to succeed.”