AP testing creeps around the corner

Students begin preparation for final exams

Ari Lissauer

Tyler Eoff

As Advanced Placement tests begin in May, many students said they are already beginning to prepare. AP Psychology teacher Emily Rennhak said her favorite study method is practice tests.

“Psychology shows that the best way to review for a test is to act as if you’re actually taking a test,” Rennhak said.“Going through practice questions, practice FRQs and practice DBQs is going to be most helpful.”

Junior Aaron Bilden said the most effective way to study is through notes.

“I find it best to view all my notes prior to the tests, this is quickest for me to remember everything I already forgot,” Bilden said. “This was the most efficient way I studied before the test last year.”

Sophomore Kellen Haller said he isn’t stressing too much over his upcoming AP test due to the fact that it doesn’t affect his GPA.

“I will start to study and read the textbook about a month before the test,” Haller says. “I’m not putting too much pressure on myself because it’s not the end of the world if I fail.”

Rennhak said it is important for students to hold on to their previous notes and materials because active recall is a useful method.

“Holding on to and reviewing the materials from the entire year is important to make sure you do well,” Rennhak said. “A useful method is rewriting personal notes for practice on writing as well as Crash Course videos are all super helpful.”

Haller said he regrets not giving his class the full attention, because he now has to play catch-up.

“I wish I paid more attention at the beginning,” Haller said. “I’ll end up learning more new information rather than revising things I know while I study for the test.”

According to Bilden, it is important for students to take the test only if they are prepared.

”I won’t be taking the test this year because I don’t think it is worth it if you aren’t going to pass,” Bilden said. “If I thought I was going to pass, I would take it for the free college credit.”

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT AP TESTS?

What was you initial goal in testifying?

My initial objective in testifying was to have our lawmakers know from a high school experience what it is like to be an underrepresented BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) walking through the hallways of a school. As it pertains to access to education and searching for opportunities in professional fields, such as health care, people who are a part of BIPOC communities aren’t always represented. I wanted lawmakers to have racial consciousness as they make those decisions that influence BIPOC students’ futures.

What made you share your experience?

Sharing my testimony stemmed from my personal experiences and the experiences of fellow classmates, specifically from those who shared their own testimonies when I took Heritage Speakers. It was a class where Latino students and those of similar heritages had the space to share their struggles. Upon being in that class and getting to know other stories, I wanted to advocate for them and even for those who don’t have a voice.

How does advocating better Park?

It is important to advocate for things like career and readiness programs because many schools don’t have the same opportunities that we have as SLP students. Because of that, these classes and programs are really valuable. We need to invest in resources and in BIPOC students so that they can have a chance and the same opportunities, or leverage, as other people in order to pursue professional careers. Whether that is in health care, business, engineering or something else.

How was this experience meaningful?

This experience showed the path on the political side of advocacy. I had the opportunity to learn more about my interest in health care and ethnic studies by developing and presenting my testimony, as well. It made me realize how important and valuable advocating for a better future for other people is to me.

Do you have future plans for discussions?

I would definitely go back to the Senate or the House of Committees if they need me again because they were really driven by my testimony, and they were glad to see both sides of the aisle come together. As for my future, I am looking to pursue health care and become a dermatologist one day.

How did you feel about making an impact?

In our day and age, we are all so politically divided, and it seems that there is no partisanship. I was really excited to see everyone come into agreement and support of this. It is so important for us, as high schoolers who are trying to find who we are and who we will become — who are trying to find careers that interest us and access to quality education.

Design by Abby Bartleson Rachel Arkis

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