First of all, I am a sophomore. First semester just ended and I am starting to think about the World History AP exam. I got a 82 for the first quarter and a 84 for the second quarter. I did not take Pre-AP in my freshman year and I am struggling a lot this year. I spent at least 2 hours a day reading for this class. (I am a slow reader + I don’t have much prior knowledge) My question is should I attempt to take the AP exam or not?
Well, a B in the class doesn’t necessarily relate to how you’ll score on the actual exam. Have you looked at sample questions from prior exams? Have you talked to your teacher about whether or not he or she thinks you are capable of performing well? How do YOU think you will do on the exam? And are you willing to put forth even more effort towards getting a 3 or above on the exam as May approaches?
With the info you’ve given, it seems (to me) like you might just be lacking confidence, considering you took an AP class after no Pre-AP classes last year, and the fact that you say you’re a slow reader and don’t have much prior knowledge. However, this isn’t enough info to say definitely whether or not you should take the AP Exam in May.
To actually answer your question, yes. I think that taking the AP exam is a good goal to have so that you’ll be motivated to perform better and learn more in your class. But when registration comes around, if you really don’t think that you have any chance of passing, it might be best not to take the exam.
I like the point that you brought up about the AP exam and setting it as goal for me to work harder. I feel a lot more confident from when the year started. I will take a look at some sample questions and I was planning on talking to my teacher this Friday. What are the consequences if you get, let’s say a 2 on the exam. Or even worse. What would happen?
There really aren’t any consequences, as far as I’m aware. You just don’t pass. There are some colleges that give credit for a 2 in some subjects(at least, that’s what it says on the College Board site), but I’m not sure whether or not any do for the World History Exam.
Alright well, I just talked to my teacher today. He said that I should definitely take it and he said I will definitely at least get a 3.