AP Week Approaching!

In the classrooms of Homer High School, teachers are preparing their students to take end-of-the-year examinations. The most foreboding and worrisome of these final assessments are the dreaded Advanced Placement examinations. The phrase “AP Test” strikes fear in the hearts of many sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in AP subjects. However, armed with the correct knowledge of the test, students will have the confidence to charge into battle and nail a perfect score.

As the beginning of May draws closer, it is important to fully understand the test and prepare for it. Counselors have begun to visit classrooms to inform AP students about the upcoming tests.

My number one recommendation, as trivial as it sounds, is to simply pay attention and not zone out during the classroom visit. Your guidance counselors will give you all the information you need. Just in case you missed it; however, I have listed list some important facts mentioned by the counselors.

The exams take place during the second and third weeks of May in the former music building at the high school. The cost of each test is $94.00, and checks can be made out to Homer Central School. If you are applying for a fee waiver and are qualified based on family income guidelines, you must speak to Mrs. Latten about the specifics. Furthermore, if you need test modifications, see Mrs. Latten as soon as possible.

Besides those nitty-gritty specifics, here are some other helpful hints for preparing for the examinations:

• There are lots of free study opportunities on the Internet to help you prepare. For example: Crash Course YouTube videos, Khan Academy, and other websites dedicated to help you study. (See future articles for some of our favorite sources!)
• You can order helpful study review books and flashcards online or buy them in bookstores. Researching online for the best review material makes it easy to see various options and compare their prices.
• Mix up your studying! Flashcards, videos, practice exams, and reading are all different ways that you can prepare.
• Become familiar with the outline of the exam. Learning how to take the test is very important! You want to know the types of questions and time limits before the exam starts, so you won’t get caught by surprise on test day.
• Teachers are there to help you. If you don’t understand a certain concept, you should ask them 9th period.
• Begin studying early! Start reviewing your course material as soon as possible. Make sure you start studying even before spring break; you want to keep the material fresh in your mind.
• Review your notes, as well as old quizzes and tests.
• Remember that other students are also preparing for the exam too. Start a study group, or just remind each other to keep studying and encourage one another.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that despite all the hype and worry, the AP test is only a test. Your outcome or score will not impact your entire future. Just give the exam your full effort. The work you put in will reap incredible rewards.