Students prepare for AP season

By Dalay’a Pinkney

News Editor

At CMHS, taking Advanced Placement courses is a good way to start early on college-level

work, potentially earn college credit, save on tuition, and strengthen your college applications, all while still in high school.

Senior Josiah Moore prepared for the AP Literature and Composition exam by going to an after-school session hosted by Mr. Kenealy. Photo by Myleigh Ryba

Throughout the school year, students are prepared for the timed College Board AP exam.

Teachers introduce key concepts, practice exam-style questions, and review important material to help students build the skills they need to succeed on the test and to complete it in the time provided.

Many students at CMHS say preparing for AP exams can be both challenging and stressful,

especially for those taking the test for the first time. Freshman Ka’Miyah Reed explained that the unfamiliar test format makes the experience more difficult.

“Everything is confusing. I’ve never done an AP exam before, so the format is different than

what I’m used to,” Reed said.

While some find studying difficult, others prepare by studying during downtime and making

study guides or games that will help them with the studying process.

“Definitely more games, because I can say for sure that games help me learn a lot. So I feel like with us playing more games, it helps us learn more,” Carson Harrington said.

Teachers say preparing for AP exams is a year-long process that requires focus, consistent

practice, and review. AP teacher Mrs. Mikal explained that students work on exam skills

throughout the school year to become familiar with the test's format and expectations.

“We work on the skills and content for the AP Exam all year, starting in August. We incorporate how to write the argument essay, practice FRQs, and multiple choice practice all year to help prepare students for what they will see on the real test,” Mrs. Mikal said.

While teachers help students focus on a long year of preparation, students often experience the process differently, as they balance daily assignments, practice tests, and time management.

“Studying for an AP exam is different from a regular test because it covers way more material

and you have to understand concepts more deeply instead of just memorizing definitions,”

student Jasmine Grant said.

Class of 2029 Counselor Mrs. Muta emphasized that AP exam season often brings increased

stress for students, especially when they are managing multiple responsibilities at once. She

explained that students can sometimes feel overwhelmed when preparing for important tasks such as a college-level exam and may struggle with time management during this period.

“AP classes and AP exam time can definitely increase stress, especially with the feeling that

being able to earn college credit rides on how they perform on one test,” Mrs. Muta said.

Mrs. Muta also explained that many students underestimate the amount of planning required during AP exam season. She encourages students to break their studying into smaller, manageable steps instead of trying to review everything at once.

“One of the biggest things that can help students is good time management,” she said. “If you schedule specific homework or study time and make it routine, it feels less overwhelming when it comes time for exams,” Mrs. Muta said.

The ninth through twelfth-grade counselor, Mrs. Drummond, also emphasized the importance of helping students manage their time and workload and stay organized during AP exam season. She explained that when students feel overwhelmed as they get closer to the AP testing dates, it is often a sign that they may be taking on too many responsibilities at once.

“When I see a student’s grades decline, this is usually a sign that they have taken on too much,” Mrs. Drummond said.

Drummond added that she often works with students, parents, and teachers to create academic support plans that help students get back on track and better prepare for their exams. AP exams vary by subject and usually include multiple-choice and free-response sections that require students to explain their answers. Since exams can last several hours, time management is important for completing each section. Students prepare using different strategies such as practice tests, review games, study guides, and group studying.

Grant said that despite the challenges, AP exams still feel like an important academic experience.

“I feel kind of nervous going into my first AP exam, but also a little excited because I want to

see if all the work I’ve done actually pays off,” she said.

AP exams represent both a challenge and an opportunity for students. While the exams can be stressful due to their length, difficulty, and high expectations, many students and teachers agree that the experience helps prepare students for college-level work.