Spring has come again. While some people are enjoying the change of weather and being outdoors, others are studying and preparing for the grueling A.P. exams if they are involved in one of these challenging courses. Teachers and students prepare for this exam starting the first day of the course, all hoping to receive a passing grade and possible transferable college credit.

Mrs. Peterson, the beloved A.P. Calculus AB and BC teacher, explains she gets students ready with, “extensive course work preparation and setting high standards to match college curriculum.” She also “motivates students through a passion for mathematics and pursuit for excellence.” Mrs. Peterson continues, “I get students ready by giving individual instruction, and one on one tutoring. Also, I give immediate feedback on quizzes, tests, and other assignments.”

Mr. Owen, the A.P. United States History teacher at Bethel High School, states, “It is very important to set the tone of the course. We start with summer work, and this allows the students to understand the expectations and high level of the course. So we pretty much start preparing for the test in the summer.” Mr. Owen further explains, “the overall goal for the test is to receive a 5. This is the highest score one can get. A four will also receive you college credit, and a three is considered passing.”

Aside from the teachers preparing their students from the beginning of the year for the test, students are the one’s that need to take these challenging courses and go through the process of taking rigorous tests. Nick Melvin, a junior at Bethel High School and currently enrolled in A.P. United States History, explains, “The work load is really what prepares students for the A.P. test. I noticed after the first quarter, the work load really started picking up, and this challenge helped in preparing for the exam.” Melvin, along with many others, spent several hours studying, and months to prepare for this exam.

Overall, the A.P. testing is a very stressful and hectic time; however, in the end, it can be very rewarding. Students are prepared for the exam starting from the first day of school, and it is an overall effort between students, teachers, and parents, that help with the overall goal of passing the test, and receiving possible college credit. Mrs. Peterson gives advice to students who may take A.P. Calculus or another Advanced Placement class explaining, “be prepared for a rigorous college level curriculum, and be self-motivated to seek help, ask questions, and complete ALL homework and other assignments.”