The time is here. The AP exam has crept upon us quicker than expected. It seems like just yesterday when I was learning what an analytical essay was and what rhetorical devices had to do with anything. After rigorously preparing for this dreaded exam all school year in English class, the test date is officially less than a month away. Although the extensive work and effort we've all put in to perfect our analytical, synthesis and argumentative essays and to understand the tricky multiple choice questions has been tiresome, it will all soon pay off. We're all familiar with this struggle; however, this exam will benefit us in several ways.
After reading an article that outlines the pros of taking an AP exam, I realized that the exam we've all been hoping would never come actually is beneficial and should be appreciated more. First and foremost, Advanced Placement tests provide students the chance to earn college credit. All exams are graded the same way: you can either earn a score of a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. A score of 3 or higher means you've passed the exam. As long as you score a 3, 4, or 5 you can earn up to 2 semesters worth of credits. In my opinion, this is a phenomenal opportunity. Earning thousands of dollars of college fees for only the $90 paid to take the exam is a steal. According to the author of this article, Barbara Toney, by taking AP exams, you could end up beginning college as a second semester Freshman or even a first semester Sophomore and "If attending a private school, starting as a 2nd semester Freshman can save over $20,000 in college costs. Starting as a 1st semester Sophomore saves over $40,000." Any chance to save money for college, I'm all for it. After all the work we've put into the AP Language and Composition class this year, I have faith that all of us will score at least a 3 on the exam. We've all worked extensively to prepare for the exam and I, at least, have learned more in this English course than in any other past English class. Receiving a score of 3 guarantees at least some money being saved for attending college. Twenty thousand dollars might not seem like that high of an amount to some people, but to me every penny counts when it comes to college fees. Saving money towards college is just one reason why this exam is beneficial.
As well as college credits and saved money towards college, AP exams also increase a student's chances of being admitted into college. First of all, being in an AP class simply helps any student prepare for the difficult and faster paced college courses. Generally, any AP class is taught at a faster pace than regular high school courses and teaches harder material. I especially agree with this idea. Last year in Honors English 10, the most difficult tasks we endured was writing a research paper on a chosen topic or discussing the meaning of "Animal Farm." This year has been a whole new challenge. Let's just say I now know how to analyze essays for rhetorical devices in my sleep. After adjusting to reading, discussing, and analyzing two essays a week, I feel as if I can take on any college course. Being exposed to the difficulties of AP English this year has not only helped me prepare for the tough college courses I will take in a couple years, but also will help me to score higher on my exam. This all ties back to my previous statement, that the AP exam will boost our chances of being accepted into college. Students who take AP exams are more likely to receive scholarships from colleges. Also, by taking these exams colleges can see that these students have been exposed to the more difficult classes in high school and have the "work ethic" that they are looking for. By taking the advanced classes and scoring well on exams, colleges can clearly see that a student is a hard worker, can do well in the tough classes, and is overall college material, which are great characteristics to possess when applying for colleges. Overall, taking AP exams can open the door to success, whether it's increasing college readiness, increasing chances of being accepted into college, or increasing the amount of saved college money.
When I first came into AP English, I thought the AP exam was only good for passing the class. As I just proved, I was definitely mistaken. Although there are probably many more benefits I didn't mention, AP exams definitely are worth all the time, hard work and dedication my fellow classmates and I have put into English this year. At the beginning of the school year, I will admit that I complained a lot about the loads of work I had to put into this class! However, now I fully understand and appreciate the preparation I've had to endure through this year. Once I receive my score of at least 3 on the exam, I'll know that AP Language and Composition as well as the actual AP exam itself, was all worth it in the end.
Natalie, I thought that the timing of this essay was perfect. The AP exam is right around the corner and I know I'm nervous. However, reading your blog made me realize that all the hand cramps and mind boggling multiple choice/essay preparations have been worth my time. I have often thought of the benefits of all the work I've put into this class and asked myself "is this worth it?". I've spent many all nighters because of this course and, as you said, I've done my fair share of complaining.my question was answered when I read your blog and the linked article you included. By including the article I feel as though you built upon your ethos by showing that you took the initiative to look into your topic and show that you know what you're talking about. I also enjoyed how in the paragraph that begins "when I first came into AP English, I thought..." you used your personal experience as an example as to show how you felt. I feel that this further enhanced your ethos by showing you had first-hand experience. In addition, this paragraph especially showed your voice. Finally, your use of logos was clearly established when you stated things such as "… 2nd semester Freshman can save over $20,000 in college costs" and "... a 1st semester Sophomore saves over $40,000." This use of the logos further helps your point by offering readers statistics that will help persuade them to take the AP exam. Overall, I thought you did a splendid job and I'm excited to see what you have for me to read next week. Good luck on the AP exam!
ReplyDeleteThis blog really spoke to me. I thought I was just going to read about how people are complaining about the AP exam approaching us, but I was mistaken. I completely agree with you that the preparation, sweat, tears, and hard work will definitely all be worth it in the end. How you involved your own personally experiences and feelings showed me that you really understand how students are feeling about the AP exam. You are able to connect with your readers because you've been through the stress that all of us experienced. Your use of logos to describe how expensive college fees will be really got me to think about the cost to go into college. Getting a good score on the AP exam that will allow for students a chance to receive some money towards college is always worth something. I think including that article helped you to really explain your point that AP classes and the exam itself will be worth the pain and suffering of writing multiple essays and stressing over all of the multiple choice tests. Your voice spoke very loud throughout your entire blog. I felt like you really explained the whole situation and purposes for preparing for the exam. You knew what you were talking about. I too, feel like I have learned so much more this year than in any of my previous years in English. I wish you and everyone the best of luck during the AP exam. Great blog, Natalie!
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