AP exams: hard work and commitment pay off

Marissa prepares her English analysis in her English teacher’s classroom; Mario sips his passion iced tea as he ponders the mysteries of languages with his friends; Mercy stares at her Economics and composition books, dreading the start of hell week.

All three Southwest students are preparing for advanced placement exams, which started May 1 and ended Friday.

The exams are a combination of a full year of commitment and homework, and they will determine the student’s readiness for college courses and if they will be able to get university credits before their first year of college.

Jessica Mathy the AP Spanish Language and Culture teacher, has been teaching for three years and two of those years have been at Southwest High School.

Mathy said, “Taking an AP test not only looks good but it gives you gives you college credit and it can create great opportunities for you.”

AP tests are scored holistically on a scale of 1 to 5. Taking and passing an AP test with a score of 3 or higher gives the student college credit and can also exempt them from certain tests like the English Placement Test, Entry level mathematics and the Accuplacer.

But every individual has their own way to tackle the bear. Some study with teachers, others do study groups at Starbucks and some are just waiting for hell week to prepare.

In the case of Marissa Teruel, 17, Southwest High School senior, she likes to study with her AP English teacher because she feels more “confident” and “secure.”

Marissa said, “I have been preparing for the AP exam during class by writing different types of essays as well as completing practice multiple choice tests from previous years.”

Teachers offer tutoring after school for any students who have any questions or want to clarify an objective.

Of course, not all students have it easy since most of them are involved in extracurricular activities like Associate Student Body or sports, which demand most of their after school time.

Junior Mario Talamantez, 16, is taking AP United States history and AP Spanish Language. He is also involved in activities at school like track and field, Mock Trail, orchestra, Interact Club, sport medicine, and the Best Friends Club which make it more difficult for him to study one on one with his teachers.

SEE AP EXAMS | A5