Many students nationwide have begun Advanced Placement (AP) testing as of May 4. APs are college-level classes that some students take in high school to earn college credits. 

 Many students are feeling apprehensive and cramming in a few more study sessions before the big tests, while others are excited to get it over with. 

Senior Yarden Casden said, “I’m so relieved. Honestly, I’m proud of myself for being able to do all of it and go through all of the tests. I think every year I’m just shocked that I complete all of these AP exams”.

It is not free to take an AP; in fact, most AP exams must be purchased and usually cost $99 per test. Many schools require students to pay this bill; however, Beverly pays for all students enrolled in an AP.

AP and SAT exams are run by the College Board. Students are given a grade of 1-5 on their exams, 5 being the best and 1 being the worst. Most colleges accept 4s and 5s, while some accept 3s for credit. Some students take APs to get credits in order to save money on future college courses.

The test is timed and graded on a curve, meaning a 5 does not indicate that a student answered every question correctly; it is graded based on test difficulty. 

Many students prepare for the exams by watching AP Classroom videos and taking topic review tests. Some also take AP exams from previous years to prepare. 

Sophomore Christian Manta said, “Usually with AP Bio, everyone’s complaining about how hard a test it will be because there’s a lot of material to cover. It was stressful, but I feel pretty good. I think I got a 4 or 5”. 

AP exam results will be released to students on July 6 this summer. Good luck with the rest of the testing, Normans!