Study Up! Is Advanced Placement Right for You?
The February 23 registration deadline had Timberwolves in a scramble to sign up for AP tests. The online registration commits students to a $94 fee and the upcoming season of study. It’s official. AP test season has begun.
Circulating talk of the matter prompted groans from Mr. Ortiz-Luis’s environmental science class. Although a large portion of the class was registered for its AP test in May, enthusiasm for the event was below sub par.
Senior AP student, Kenneth Thai, says of the newly increased test fees,“They’re ridiculous. Honestly, the AP test is what we work so hard for throughout the year. They should be more of a reward. It would give kids more of an incentive to take it if the tests were a lower price.”
During class, Ortiz-Luis, MVHS ASB director and AP environmental science instructor, attempted to appease the disgruntled group with a few cost logistics.
“You’re saving money. Even though it’s kind of unfortunate that the tests are $94, think about how much a college textbook would be. At least $100. The amount you’re paying in AP tests is much much less than school,” he explains.
But that’s only if you pass the tests with a score of 3 or above. Beyond that, some colleges only accept a score of 4 or 5, which is unrealistically-high according to many students in the AP environment. For instance, Harvard University only accepts a score of 5. Stanford only offers credit for a 4 or 5 in physics, calculus, chemistry, and foreign languages. Other colleges (Caltech, Brown, and Dartmouth included) don’t accept AP credits at all.
According to a CNBC report, “86% of the nation’s top 153 universities restrict AP credit in some way.” Looks like it’s time to add your prospective college to the study list.
So it’s not a given that taking the AP test will give you a seat in the class of your choosing. But Mission Vista teachers say the rigorous tests are still worth the money, even if your prospective college won’t accept the credits.
AP Language and Composition teacher Scott Hill acknowledges, “ Passing it or not passing it is not as important as exposure to it. It’s understanding the challenging academic environment that you’re moving to. It’s a worthy investment.”
Other teachers argue that the student’s pursuit in taking the AP test weighs heavy on admissions officers, no matter the score. Martine Fronk, AP United States history teacher explains, “When you turn in those college applications, there’s a person on the other end that’s going to look at them and they are going to make a decision. Yes, no. If you took the AP test, that just gives you one more thing above the other person that maybe didn’t.”
Beyond the AP test, students see value in the classroom environment. Junior, Tess Hopton, says of AP students, “ I think super highly of the kids. Last term, I took normal history with AP Lang.” Hopton explains that her peers were “So different! Man, did I like being in AP more just because the feeling and the type of student.”
She adds, “ I think for me, in order to do well, I have to be around people who want to do well too.”
“I like that you have to apply yourself and be connected to your work” says Kenneth Thai.
That’s not to say the AP system is perfect. Both students and teachers acknowledge that the test-oriented, high-pressure environment makes it easy for students to lose sight of their growth mindset.
“It’s not for everyone. The courses are very fast paced and it could be very frustrating for some people.” says Fronk.
Senior AP student, Abigail Royer notes, “AP is kinda competitive because it has to do with rank. People who are taking more APs want colleges to see that they’re successful and they want their teachers to be proud of them. There needs to be more opportunity for growth.”
Renny Laitio, who teaches AP Government says of the AP system, “It’s a double-edged sword. It’s good because it’s helped our school gain a lot of notoriety in the area. But also we have to accept that with that, it could lead to a losing of focus on what really is the point of education.”