With my heart beating and fingers trying to grip my pencil, I remember the experience of taking my first AP test. I loved the subject matter of AP Language and Composition—always learning new vocabulary words and analyzing texts to find themes and the “so, what?” of the passage. When it came time to show my understanding in test format, I was nervous and didn’t get an adequate score to present to colleges for credit. The time and energy I invested in my AP course amounted to a more profound love of literature, but not an AP score that revealed my strengths in the AP classroom.
As it turns out, my experience is actually quite common. Many students taking AP courses don’t earn scores that result in college credit. In 2024, according to reports by the College Board, just over half of the students taking AP courses earned a 3 or higher on their exam, the scores that most often grant credit. I believe that students, teachers, and administrators can change the statistic to be closer to 100%.
While teachers vehemently prepare students for the exam according to the curriculum, I personally could’ve benefited from more Advanced Placement practice exams so that test day felt easier and less intimidating. To integrate more AP testing exposure into classrooms, we must first understand the AP landscape.
Navigating the AP Landscape: Understanding the System
The function of the AP classroom is to familiarize students with test subject materials, regardless of whether the students are taking AP Bio or AP Psychology. Hap Weir, a Peterson’s employee and previous AP Literature and Composition teacher, explains that “teaching AP gives high school students an opportunity to engage with and experience college-level classes and materials. Some students who struggle with some aspects of high school are able to flourish in more discussion-based classes based on applying academic topics to the world outside of school.”
AP classrooms provide a powerful space for students to take charge of subjects that interest them. AP can be a rewarding journey for both student and teacher. Hap says, “It was really rewarding for me to see students who didn’t think of themselves as ‘honors’ students excel in an advanced class that better met their academic needs.” AP Subjects can range from AP Art History to AP Spanish Language and Culture. After completing the subject, students go on to their exam to show their knowledge and potentially earn college credit if their score is adequate, usually above a three. For a test day schedule, follow the official AP exam schedule for up-to-date information on test day.
The Power of Practice: Why Advanced Placement Practice Exams Matter
Advanced placement practice exams simulate the AP exam experience so that students are familiar with the types of questions they will see on the exam and the timing of such tests. Hap Weir shares his thoughts surrounding practice tests:
“An underrated aspect of success in AP tests is testing stamina. The AP exams ask students to complete extremely rigorous academic tasks in a very short period of time, which can be exhausting. I would recommend that teachers use practice materials, like our practice materials, to get students used to completing these sorts of tasks in a timed setting. I used to think of it like training for a marathon or weight training–my students would build their endurance throughout the year, beginning with small sets of questions and working their way up until they were ready to take an entire practice test in one sitting.”
If taking an AP exam is similar to training for a marathon or weight training, you wouldn’t dare go from couch to marathon (or you might, but you shall indeed feel the repercussions and even risk injury). Practical training requires testing oneself occasionally to ensure alignment with one’s goals. Exposure to these tests, starting even halfway through the semester, can do wonders for student confidence.
Practice tests can also help teachers gauge the strengths and weaknesses in the AP classroom and target specific subject matter to increase students’ AP scores—reviewing missed questions and understanding the underlying concepts. Timed practice can help build endurance and manage test anxiety with exposure. Taking practice tests within and outside the AP classroom environment can further help students integrate their learning so that they are confident for test day.
The Role of the AP Classroom and Teacher Support
While practice tests are essential, scores will be most positively impacted by regularly attending AP class and participating actively—allowing the teacher to provide guidance and support. Teachers and students work together to craft an excellent score. Teachers provide the space and structure for growth while students take ownership of their academic journey. Hap reflects on the students who did the best in his classes:
“I think the students that did the best in AP were those who were intellectually curious. Students with analytical minds, who like to take concepts apart and see how they fit back together, seemed to do the best. Being willing to do the work inside and outside of class as well as practicing academic tasks aligned to the exams were both also important, but the students who really excelled tended to be those who asked a lot of questions and wanted to talk through big concepts.”
Key Strategies for Success in the AP Classroom
The fundamental strategies for success in AP courses are manifold:
- Support and guidance from teachers to achieve high marks
- The opportunity to practice for test day regularly
- Students’ desire to do well on their AP exams
As with anything in life, students will get out of AP courses what they put. As teachers and faculty, we can ensure they have the resources to do well on their tests. Hard work, dedication, and effective preparation are keys to achieving a score of 3 or above. We can give our students the best shot at a great score. Beyond that, as Hap Weir so eloquently puts it, he “hoped [his] students would be critical thinkers and critical readers who were able to apply ideas they learned in school or in books to a larger social or societal context. [He] also hoped that they would learn to be comfortable asking questions and talking through different perspectives to come to a deeper understanding of what makes us all human and how we can make changes in order to make the world a better and more understanding place.”
While preparing students for exams in the AP classroom, may they learn to make the world a better and more understanding place through the power of AP preparation. Set them up for success and achieving the best score possible with additional AP practice tests available through Peterson’s. Let us find more avenues to allow students to shine while challenging them in subject areas of interest—saving them time and money later in their university years by getting a satisfactory score.
