One particular asset Carson High School is known for is the wide assortment of Advanced Placement classes. There are twelve AP classes students can choose from: government, Spanish, statistics, calculus, English literature, United States history, biology, physics, psychology, English language, macroeconomics, and microeconomics.
     Students typically begin taking on the challenge of AP classes during junior year. First comes the fear, anxiousness, and excitement of enrolling in a college-level class. Once adjusted to the curriculum of the class or classes, students are able to get a feel of just how rigorous college can be. Whether it is only a semester or a yearlong course, a final grade is not the only thing that concludes the class.
     Students that take AP classes are required to take the AP exam. These take place in the morning or afternoon during the month of May. AP exams assess how much content the student has learned and retained. Depending on how many AP classes a student is taking, they must take the AP exam for each class in order to receive AP credit. Your AP test can cost you a minimum of thirteen dollars if you have reduced or free lunch. However, if you do not receive lunch tickets, you will face the pricey amount of $86 per exam.
     There is a long-term benefit derived from taking the time to study for AP exams. If a student passes their AP tests with a three or higher, they earn college credit for that class, and therefore are no longer required to take that class in college.
     Passing AP tests can be compared to killing two birds with one stone. If you pass the class itself, you earn credits toward high school graduation. Additionally, if you pass the AP test with a three or higher, you earn credit for that class in college and do not have to repeat it.
     It really is worth it for students to find the time to heavily review for their AP tests. Likewise, there are numerous steps students can take in order to prepare for their AP exams.
     Not only having a good night’s rest and healthy breakfast will benefit your test taking skills, but also reviewing past material and getting familiarized with the information a few weeks ahead of time.
     Junior and senior AP students: brace yourselves for the four or more hours you will be spending sitting in the Carson Civic Center for the first two weeks of May. Do what fits best with your studying strategies: study guides, sample multiple choice questions, sample essay questions, even mock tests.
     The more effort you put into preparing yourself for your AP exam, the more likely you will end up with a deserving score in your mailbox this summer.