Countless hours of studying and multiple meltdowns throughout the month, but guess what, we all survived the AP month! Earlier this month, many students here at FDR, and throughout the U.S., took AP exams. A quick recap on what AP classes are: AP class is a college-level course that is taken by students who want to experience a challenging class while also being able to possibly receive college credit by the end of the year. AP classes require an exam at the end of the year-long course, excluding AP Art. As AP month is over, we decided to interview some of the AP scholars on their opinions on the AP courses and exams.

NEW DEALER- “What led you to take the AP courses that you are currently enrolled in?”

Angela Nicol Si Qi Li Mei-   When it was time for me to decide which courses to select, I focused on the courses that would both interest and benefit me in the future. Other than that, to ensure taking certain courses, others’ opinions also helped.  When I decided to take Ap Biology, I took input from many of my AP Biology friends to know whether it was worth the take. Additionally, in AP English Language and Composition, my goal was to enhance my reading and writing skills- not only for my college but also for the SAT. Many of my friends recommended taking AP government, as the teachers are way too fun to be around.  Overall, all these courses were worthwhile and are definitely recommended by me. 

Vanessa Zheng Ng- Most of the courses I chose were recommended to me by my teachers and guidance counselor. I decided to pick the courses that would be the most helpful for me in life and my career path. I also took certain AP courses like AP Spanish, AP English and Language Composition, and AP U.S. History as I knew I would do well on them.

Janice Li- I have been drawing since I was young and being a part of an AP Art class was one of my goals. During my sophomore year, I was invited to the “AP For All-Fair” and AP art immediately caught my attention. This course was definitely something I wanted, so I signed up for it. AP Art was also a benefit for me as it filled in with one of my mandatory electives.

NEW DEALER-  “Where do you see the material that you learned from these AP courses benefitting you?”

Angela Nicol Si Qi Li Mei-  My whole purpose for AP Biology was to help me figure out if ‘Biochem’ is truly the major and interest I want to pursue. AP English Language was intended for me to practice certain skills that will help me with writing college essays and also dealing with stuff outside of college. The skills I learned from the A.P. government helped me acknowledge the country’s political system and the daily decisions made by our government. 

Vanessa Zheng Ng-  The material I learned from my AP classes can be beneficial for me in life – especially in college- since it will both mentally and physically prepare me for college-level courses. However, I don’t think that all my AP classes won’t impact me much outside of school. I mainly took these classes to boost my GPA.

Janice Li-  While I had difficulties completing all the work in my AP art class and keeping up with the speedy pace, the class definitely helped me improve certain skills such as time management, organization, and self-discipline. I saw this class as an intro to what a busy life would look like. 

NEW DEALER-  “What is your expected score and how do you think it will impact your future academics?”

Angela Nicol Si Qi Li Mei-  When it comes to scores, I hope to receive 4s in all my AP courses. I expect to earn college credits and have a great impact on my college application. I want to show myself as a dedicated worker, ready to knock out all college-level courses and curriculums.

Vanessa Zheng Ng– I hope I can obtain college credit with my score, especially, since it will help me to save both money and time. If I receive the credit, I won’t have to take certain classes in college. A good score will also make me feel proud of all the effort I have put into my classes.  

New Dealer- “What makes AP art different from the rest of the AP classes?”

Janice Li-  AP Art 2D is unique not only in its requirements but also due to its unique grading system. With your five best-submitted works, you are also responsible for an investigation where you come up with a question and try to answer it through your artwork. In this investigation, each piece must be explained on how it relates/answers your question. AP Art is a really fun class, as I got to display my creativity and style through art. 

Now that it’s all over and AP month is gone, it’s time for a mental-health break – which we all surely deserve. As it’s springtime, let’s walk out of this transitioning month with a cheerful mindset and fun vibes. CHEERS TO ALL AP SCHOLARS! WE MADE IT!! 

A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO THE LADIES FOR BEING A PART OF THIS INTERVIEW!!