From May 7th through the 18th, many McClatchy students are taking AP tests for the AP classes they have taken this school year. According to documents the Prospector obtained from the Counseling Department, 574 tests have been ordered, and 315 students have signed up to take tests. This means that many students will be taking more than one test.
Of the 574 tests ordered, the majority seem to be for English Literature and Composition (103 tests), Government and Politics: United States (92 tests) and Calculus AB (90 tests). Meanwhile, very few tests were ordered for United States History (4 tests) Japanese Language and Culture (3 tests), and French Language and Culture (1 test).
There are several reasons why some students are taking some tests more tests than others. Language classes require students to take four years of that language till they reach the AP level their Senior year. Another factor to consider is timing: several tests take place on the same day. The French test, for example, is at 12:00 PM on the 15th. The tests for Calculus AB and BC are at 8:00 AM on the same day. Students might decide not to take the French test so they can save their energy for Calculus, which gives credits that colleges might find more valuable.
Something you should keep in mind if you want to take an AP test next year is that AP tests are very expensive: this year the cost was $94 per test. For students with financial needs, the College Board provides a $32 fee reduction for each test. Of the 315 McClatchy students taking tests this year, 106 qualified for AP exam fee reductions. That’s roughly 33.65%, just over a third of the students.
Despite the cost and stress of taking an AP test, there are several benefits as well. The AP classes themselves give a weighted GPA, and offer a greater challenge than other classes. According to the College Board’s website, AP exams allow you to save on college expenses by earning college credits. Doing well on AP exams can also allow you to skip introductory classes in college, allowing you to take more advanced classes, or freeing up schedule space for elective classes.