If you’re already committing to taking an AP class, should you have to take the college-level exam at the end of the year? Should the question of getting the GPA boost no matter if you sit down for the test or not be abolished?

  It’s been a hit or miss with students when asked to take the AP exam. Since it’s a college class, should it be required? Senior Malak Elmanhawy states, “I think it’s only fair if you take the test if you have actually put in the time and work into the class.”

 AP classes are college level curriculums, making them substantially harder than regular courses. You also receive college credit for these classes, and these credits are a very good way to get a step ahead for college.  It’s been a hit or miss with students when asked to take the AP exam.

  “I think it’s pretty important to take the AP exams for the class, because it reflects on how much you understood that year, and I think it’s a great way to prepare for higher-level college exams,” says Ainsley Kennedy, a senior who has taken multiple AP classes. 

  Overall, many people take AP classes differently. It ranges from easy to difficult depending on the class and how easy it is to study for. Many students have different reasonings behind not taking the exam, such as, not studying enough, not knowing the material of the concepts, mental health, or just not wanting to sit down for three hours to take a test. Teachers push students to take the AP test, as it reflects on how they teach.

“I don’t think you should require people to take a test that costs money,” says Mr. Ramm. Some may be unable to afford to take the test. Is that fair? Should it cost money to take the test? There’s so much back and forth with requirements and opinions on the AP exams. Should it be mandatory to take?