AP Season Pressure: What's the Perfect Number

With the school year coming to an end, high school students experience a period known as AP season. Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students to earn college credit and improve their applications, but they also bring immense pressure to perform well. A question that lingers in the minds of students and teachers is: what's the "perfect" score on the AP exams? 

Most experts agree that a mark of 4 or 5 is optimal. A mark of 5 represents mastery of the subject and an indication of academic commitment to excellence. Similarly, a mark of 4 demonstrates a solid understanding of the subject matter and is usually viewed favorably by colleges. Numerous colleges grant college credit or advanced placement to students receiving these marks, so they are critical measures of success. 7th grader, Kimberly Sukhnandan says, “ I personally think that 5 is the only perfect score, because this will be beneficial to students, showing their college that they have a great work ethic, and immense knowledge on whatever topics/subjects the AP classes are focused on.”

However, the pressure to excel has a snowball effect during AP time, increasing anxiety levels. The tense mix of rigorous coursework and the desire to excel can drive students towards burnout and stress. Therefore, it's crucial that students study with a healthy mind. Effective preparation strategies such as consistent study habits, practice tests, and peer-to-peer learning, can raise the odds of attaining such coveted scores without compromising mental health. 7th grader, Momina Ali agrees with this statement saying “ If you want to get a good score, you must prioritize your AP classes and tests when studying and be consistent and prepared.”

It's also worth noting that while it's commendable to aim for 4s and 5s, each student's academic experience is unique. Learning style, prior knowledge, and test-taking strategies all play a role in performance. 10th grader, Sarina Jubaer, who has experience with AP classes says, “When taking AP tests, your mindset is very crucial, and if you take the test with a positive mindset, you will definitely do better than how you would do with a negative attitude.”

Although striving to earn a 4 or 5 can pave the path for academic success, a balanced outlook towards learning is necessary. Students can withstand the stresses of AP time with resilience and willpower, ultimately preparing themselves for college and beyond.