Spring break: the calm before the storm. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) for juniors and Practice Scholastic Assessment test (PSAT) for sophomores and freshman are only a day after returning from break. The next day, juniors are required to take the M-Step, a test created to see how well students have mastered state standards. For students of all grades, the next month is full of studying for AP exams for credit. Although AP exams are taken in May, registration and studying begins just as the break ends.

On Wednesday, April 18, students taking AP exams will meet with their counselors to pre-grid their answer document. Students with last names A-H will pre-grid during second hour; students with last names I-P will pre-grid during third hour; students with last names Q-Z will pre-grid during sixth hour.

Pre-gridding answer documents is just one of many things students have to do to prepare for their AP exams. Many students spend a lot of time studying, trying to review as much information as possible.

“I am going to read a shortened version of the history of the U.S., which is over 600 pages, in the next three weeks, and hopefully I comprehend the info. I am very stressed out and pushing myself super hard, but it will all be worth it if I get a 4 or 5,” said sophomore Audrey Thedford.

AP exams will take place from May 7 to 19 with testing also taking place on Saturday, May 12 and Saturday, May 19. On these testing days, registration will begin at 8:30 A.M. and testing will follow at 9 A.M. Tests for one semester course will end at 10:30 A.M., and tests for year long course will end at approximately 12 P.M.

The 2018 AP Exam Schedule is printed on the back of the CollegeBoard’s Bulletin for AP Students and Parents. More information is also posted on the Rochester Community Schools website.

As the exams near, some students are feeling the heat a little less than others. With helpful teachers, practice tests, and study guides, students can feel confident in their knowledge.

“For APUSH, Mrs. Danielson has been giving us many review packets. The tests are stressing me out, but I trust that studying and doing the review packets will help me do well,” said sophomore Carter Farris.

With only 2 months left in the school year, students are struggling with senioritis and an overcoming desire for summer. However, people often forget how stressful the end of the school year can be with heaps of exams. With weeks of studying ahead, Adams wishes their AP students good luck.