Story by Clancy Maier

There are only two weeks until AP tests begin for the 2025-26 school year, and everyone from freshmen taking their first AP test to seniors taking their last AP test are cramming, studying, practicing, and planning for the AP tests. Discovery High School offers several AP courses for every grade, with most students taking multiple AP tests at the end of each year. But AP tests and courses are challenging, and they provide a certain degree of rigor for students willing to take them on. As this AP testing season approaches, students and teachers are sharing their thoughts and tips for the coming month.

Almost every teacher at Discovery teaches AP classes, ranging from AP Government and politics to AB/BC Calculus. And these teachers all ensure their students are well prepared for AP tests, no matter the class topic. “I use clearly directed instruction and practice. After they learn the content, I use released test items to practice,” says math teacher Mrs. Greenwald. She uses an innovative yet highly effective teaching method: giving students practice tests that mirror the real ones before each test. This helps students learn material more effectively. 

Another teacher, Mr. Crosson, who teaches AP Literature and Composition, says, “I give them a lot of tips that have come from AP graders. And I’ve attended a lot of AP symposiums that have made it really clear what I should be focusing on as a teacher, and what I should let go.” He instead provides individual advice to help each student.

Despite all the help that teachers at Discovery provide for their students, AP courses are going to be challenging no matter where you are. The workload is heavy, the content is vast, and it requires a certain level of responsibility to take one or even multiple at once. “I am doing a lot of study guides, as well as teacher-made tests, so I can prepare,” says senior Mackenzie Lovelace, who is currently taking AP Calculus. Lovelace mentions how AP classes are challenging and definitely stressful, but she is studying and staying on top of her work. As a senior, she has taken multiple AP courses, and she understands the stress but also rewarding level of knowledge that comes from an experience like this.

Even though AP courses and tests are challenging for students, they don’t seem to have a negative impact on them. “I think students bond in AP classes because they have a shared pain and shared stress management. I don’t think it affects them negatively in any social way,” says Crosson. This idea is reflected inside the classroom, with AP classes more likely to increase teamwork and confidence, preparing students for the future. Aside from helping socially, taking AP classes also broadens students’ minds and helps them develop their time management skills.

Even students themselves agree that AP courses help them out, in the present and in the future. “It is important to take AP classes because it gives you the college workload,” says Sophomore Giovanni Sanchez-Rangel, who is currently taking AP Government. This is a great argument, as many high school students go into college unable to deal with the workload. These AP classes help prepare students so they can perform much better in their first year in college.

As AP exams approach, there are a few tips you can try as a student, or if you’re a parent, on how you can help your kid. Students, aside from studying and taking advantage of the resources your teachers have provided for you, make sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting lots of sleep. This will help reduce stress and help you study more effectively. Parents, try to be a little easier on your kids. AP testing time is hard, and they are dealing with a lot of stress right now. Good luck for the next few months, and remember– summer is almost here!