AP Exams: 80% of Us Are Doing It

The Worldwide Advanced Placement exams, commonly referred to as AP exams, began on May 6th covering subjects such as Calculus, English, Foreign Languages, and the Sciences. In 2012, more than 2 million students worldwide took 3.7 million AP Exams. 80% of students who qualify opt to take the exams, no matter how challenging. However, these exams aren’t like your typical tests with a passing or failing grade. It is impossible to fail this test.

When students take the exams, they can receive a score of one to five, which indicates poor comprehension of the subject or an excellent grasp of the subject. For many colleges, a score of four or five on an exam allows students to be exempt from the corresponding college course. Some schools will even accept a three for credit. The $89 exam in high school could save up to $1200 in college credits. For many students, the challenge of the exam is worth the possible college credit.

 73.4% of New Jersey exam takers passed the exam with a score of three or higher, the highest percentage in the nation in 2012. Although Sterling’s 55 AP students pulled an overall average score of 2.56, slightly less than the international average of 3.18, students were able to achieve an average score of 2.85 on the English Literature exam and 3.6 on the Biology Exam, both above the international averages last year.

Why take the exam? Besides a chance at college credits, 82% of students say that the class is more worthwhile than regular level classes. Our students agreed. AP student Michelle Tang agreed, “AP classes are much more challenging than a regular level class. They require independent study which some kids can’t handle.” Other students steered clear of the classes. Kellyn Lowden, a non-AP student remarked, “Honors and AP are hard. They’re way too intense for me.”

Although AP exams and classes are a great commitment, Sterling students are up for the challenge. Emily Strauser, an AP student at Sterling, says, “The tests are hard, but they can be worth it. It’d be nice to skip that class in college.”