If you’re already committing to taking an AP class, should you be required to take the college-level exam at the end of the year? Should gaining the GPA boost no matter if you take test be finally put to rest?

Wilsonville students have had no general consensus as to whether students should take their AP Exams. One may wonder if since the course is at a collegiate level, should the exam 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 can potentially receive college credit for these classes if you score well enough on the exam, and these credits are a great way to get a step ahead for college. However, it has been hit or miss if students actually take the credit-gaining 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. 

In general, students approach their AP Exams differently. Exams can range from comedically easy to incredibly difficult, depending on the class and the relative ease of studying. Many students have different reasons for not taking the exam. Examples include not studying enough, not knowing the material of the concepts, mental health, or just plain not wanting to sit down for three hours to take a test.

Many teachers push students to take the AP test, as it reflects on how they teach. However, some staff members feel differently. According to Wilsonville High School teacher Mr. Ramm, “I don’t think you should require people to take a test that costs money.” This is a great point by the veteran teacher, as some may be unable to afford to take the test. Is taking a several hour long test a fair ask of students? Should it cost money to take a test that boosts your GPA? There’s much back and forth with requirements and opinions on the AP Exams. In the end, we are left with one central question; Should AP Exams be mandatory to take?