Are AP tests worth taking?

Sean, thanks for posting this question; it's definitely worth considering as you examine the best options for college preparedness. To a large degree, some AP exams are definitely worth taking, and I'll explain why. First and foremost, they prepare you for the rigor of a college-level exam while you're still in high school. No, not all college exams will have the same degree of difficulty. However, the best thing you can do now while you're in high school is continue to lay a strong scholastic foundation for yourself so that when it's time for college, you have a solid academic base upon which to build.

Secondly, you may wind up earning college credit for certain AP exam scores. This will vary by college. Some schools will want higher AP exam scores than others before they give students credit for a particular course. It's true that skipping college courses because you earned credit via AP exams may hinder your ability to grasp the material. For example, I counseled a high school student who was exceptionally strong in the sciences, and she earned some excellent AP exam scores. During her freshman year of college, she bypassed some basic science courses but had to work very hard in the upper-level science classes in order to succeed in those courses. Her hard work paid off eventually, but it's something important for you to remember.

With this in mind, you might benefit from taking AP exams to earn credit for some of the basic general education requirements that most colleges will have: AP Government, AP Psychology, AP English Language (11th grade) or AP English Literature (12th grade). For the harder science or Math classes (AP Stats, AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Chemistry), it's worth taking the class (if you're interested) AND taking the exam, simply because it'll help you prepare. Even if you do earn college credit for some of those exams, it's wise on your part to take those classes in college, because you'll be that much more prepared to be successful!

Best of luck!
Matt

Hi Sean!

Taking AP classes in high school is to your advantage, as you get to study the courses in greater depth and detail. I have learned from several people close to me that it is not a good idea to take AP exams to bypass classes in college, because you miss out on basics required for the courses that follow. Some have taken the bypass exams and regretted it later, as they found that the classes that they bypassed contained elements that were not contained in the AP classes in high school - and they lost time and momentum trying to catch up.

You will need to focus on stress and time management. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Here is how to be successful in them:</span>

1. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Stay on track - do assignments early, finish things a head of time, and be aware of all of your deadlines</span>
2. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do all the the assignments and read all of the coursework required- do not cut corners</span>
3. <span style="background-color: transparent;">use Google calendar to keep track of deadlines</span>
4. <span style="background-color: transparent;">communicate with your professor early if something comes up</span>
5. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do not be afraid to ask for an extension if you need one</span>
6. <span style="background-color: transparent;">study, and study a lot! you don't have regular class sessions so you will need to put in more work at home.</span>
7. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Do your best and genuinely try hard to give it your all.</span>

The best way to score high on the test is to Google search an online program or book that will help you study. Once you find an online lesson plan for success you can use it as a road map for studying. Otherwise, find a book to help you study and spend 45 mins a night reading through it and studying. Depending on when you test is, the first thing you will want to do is organize a studying schedule for yourself. Target studying certain sections of the test and divide them up by the weeks/months you have until you have to take it.