So I’ve just finished up my junior year and have now taken a total of six AP classes so far, exams included in May. I’ve scored 3s on all of these tests (and if you want to know, they are: Bio, World History, Calc AB, Chem, Lang + Comp, and Seminar). I expected a 4 in Calc and Lang at least because I thought I tried very hard and put in a considerable amount of effort, but the scores don’t show, and I’ve been somewhat disappointed about my performance on these tests. From those who scored 4s and 5s this year, or in past years, do you have any advice as to what I should do to get a higher score on these tests? (Note: I do know that these scores are not heavily weighed or taken very seriously into consideration during the college admissions process, but it would be nice to get higher scores in the event that they do take these scores a little more seriously due to the competitiveness.) Thanks!
Hoonie,
I cannot tell you exactly how to score higher because everyone is different. I want you to know that just because you make 3s does not make you any less intelligent than the people who make 4s and 5s. I believe some people are just naturally gifted at performing well on standardized tests. But, most important is that you prepare for these exams. Out of the AP classes you are taking next year, I have only taken AP Stats. I made a 4 on the Stats exam this year, but I left the room 100% confident I had made a 5, so I understand your disappointment in your Calculus AB and Lang scores. All I can say for this class is that you SAY WHAT YOU MEAN. There are several words that mean similar things (like normal and symmetric), but the graders will not give you credit if you mix them up. Keep up with your homework–this helped me the most. My teacher assigned like an hour of homework every night, but it helped me understand the material. If I didn’t understand it, I asked questions–asking questions can help so much. This advice can go for any class, though.
Good luck next year!
@PhilipL Thank you for your advice! I’ll have some things to think about for next year. I don’t know if you are in high school, but good luck to your future endeavors in and out of the classroom!
I’ll have some things to think about for next year. I don’t know if you are in high school, but good luck to your future endeavors in and out of the classroom!