For many, the Advanced Placement (AP) exams can be a source of stress and anxiety.  The pressure of having to pass a huge test in order to receive college credit can cause students to worry, and the idea of taking such a long and vigorous AP course throughout the year and not passing the culminating exam can scare many students.

However, the benefits of passing are invaluable and helpful for college.

Coming to AP exams (which begin Monday, May 6 and end Friday, May 17) organized and focused is an important factor that can make a big difference.

According to Jessica Brawner, Lafayette’s AP testing coordinator, it is important to “come to exam day prepared and as relaxed as possible.”

Brawner also informs that rooms may be cold, so she advises students to bring a jacket so they will be comfortable while testing.

If a student is caught with items that are prohibited, such as electronic equipment and devices that can access the Internet, they risk score cancellation and permanent barring from future testing.

The grading scale for the AP exams goes up to five, with one and two being failing grades and three, four and five considered passing.

“The national average on AP exams last year was 2.83 out of 5, but at LHS our average was 3.97 with our teachers overseeing a shared pass rate of about 93 percent,” Steve Klawiter, social studies teacher, said.

“These are pretty incredible results and it shows that all the teachers in our building have done a great job helping students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform well  on AP exams,” Klawiter added.

With such success, students can be more confident knowing that their teachers have prepared them well.

For many underclassmen taking AP exams for the first time, not knowing what to expect can be nerve-racking.

For sophomore Sarah Buettner, passing the exam is a must.

“Obviously, I want to get college credit.  I want to be an exceptional student,” Buettner said

“I think the AP test will be pretty challenging, but [Steve] Klawiter has given us a lot of study material to help us do a good job.  I have been reading everything and I am confident that I can get a five,” Buettner added.

When a student takes an AP exam and passes, they are eligible for college credit for that course, which can minimize costs and allow students an early college graduation.

Christy Wills, College Admission Specialist, informs that taking AP courses is a great way to prepare for college, as it gives an idea of what homework will be like and how to study.

“Colleges and universities always appreciate a student challenging themselves academically,” Wills said.

However, Wills reminds that AP classes are not for everyone.

John Deken, social studies teacher, said, “AP classes help you avoid culture shock. You don’t want to be the college freshman who drops out, saying, ‘I didn’t know it would be so hard.’”

But, as Wills points out, “Every school has different policies with regard to accepting AP credit and what score is necessary to receive that credit.  It requires a little digging while you’re doing your college search.”

When searching what scores colleges accept, Wills advises students to go to the college’s website and search “AP equivalency.”

For students who are contemplating if they should take an AP course, Wills said, “Your teacher in that subject area is wonderful resources when asking if an AP course is right for you.”

Curious students should “ask for and expect honest feedback,” Wills said.

“Take AP, and find out what you’re getting into before leaving the high-school safety net behind,” Deken advised.

Students can also visit their guidance counselor in order to receive more information about AP courses and to get advice for balancing work and extracurricular activities.

For the dates and list of course exams, go to: http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/lafayette/offices/guidance/Documents/2013%20Exam%20Calendars%20AP.pdf

For directions to the AP exam, go to: http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/lafayette/offices/guidance/Documents/2013%20Exam%20Calendars%20AP.pdf

For info on what and what not to bring to the exam, go to: http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/lafayette/offices/guidance/Documents/AP%20Exam%20Day%20what%20to%20bring%20not%20to%20bring.pdf

For extra info, go to: http://media.collegeboard.com/homeOrg/content/pdf/2012-13AP_Bulletin_Students_Parents.pdf

For a list of approved calculators for the AP exam, go to: http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/lafayette/offices/guidance/Documents/AP%20calculator%20policy.pdf