AP exams began on Monday and continue through May 16.

For freshmen, it will be the first AP exams they have taken, but for seniors such as Nithya Boddu, it’s an endeavor they have experience with. 

“I was very anxious because it was my first time taking a final exam, so I was really nervous,” Boddu said. “I started studying in March and did a lot of practice exams and used the Princeton Review. I didn’t overstudy the couple of days before and made sure to take care of myself.”

Senior Shreshta Kotha approached her first AP exam with a sense of readiness.

“I felt somewhat prepared due to Heimler’s review videos,” Kotha said. “Being in GT Humanities helped me feel much more prepared due to the two-year-long course and the materials provided by Mrs. Wiseman.”

Kotha emphasized the value of peer support.

“I studied with my friend group a few weeks before the exam,” Kotha said. “We would sit in the cafeteria during class or meet up at someone’s house on the weekends. I think that AP exams are as much of a mental test as a literal one.”

Combining multiple study resources is the preparation strategy senior Saanvi Jain is taking. 

“I watched Heimler’s History YouTube videos for unit reviews, reviewed my teacher’s notes and textbook chapters, and made summary sheets to reinforce key concepts,” Jain said.

But when all is said and done, taking an AP exam is a valuable experience for Jain.

“Taking the AP exam taught me time management and discipline. I also earned college credit, which felt rewarding.” Jain said. “Most importantly, it helped me get a sense of what college-level exams and expectations are like.”