By Melissa Smith | Staff Writer
This coming Thursday, some sophomores will be facing the first AP exam of their high school career. They have been studying the major empires of the world, memorizing seemingly insignificant trade routes, and taking online quizzes to prepare for the challenging World History test. Despite all this effort and time put in, few will earn the high marks that so many long for. Many have been dreading this day with anticipation, while others survey it with a more laid-back attitude.
Sophomore Zachary Walker is confident that he’s going to pass.
“[I’m nervous], because it will affect me later on; in the future and the classes I will take in college. My teacher has really helped me though over the past two months to pass,” he said.
Walker has made considerable efforts with the motivation his teacher has given him.
“Our teacher has assigned classwork that has helped us learn in areas that we have struggled in,” Walker said.
The test consists of 3 essays and a series of multiple choice questions.
“[I’m] definitely dreading the essays the most, because they could be about anything, and you don’t get the promps until you’re sitting down taking the test,” sophomore Ivey McDaniel said. “Formulating my thoughts is difficult, and working in a timed session.”
With all the long and tedious preparation invested into it, failure would be devastating to these dedicated students.
“I’d be pretty upset, because then the last year would all be for nothing,” Walker said. McDaniel
“I wouldn’t be that upset, I’m expected to do well,” McDaniel said. “If I do pass, awesome, but I’m not too stressed about it. It’s like a hurdle to jump before summer.”
McDaniel is a little unsure of whether she is going to earn the coveted mark of ‘3’ or higher.
“I’m hoping I will pass, but I am skeptical. Everything has been passing over my head. Hopefully some miracle will break through,” she said.
Even if they do fail, the whole year won’t be for nothing.
“I can now correct my parents on current events and when they talk about history,” McDaniel added. “I like to sound more intelligent than my sister, too. It gives a lot of cultural insight to the rest of the world.”
But optimism reigns supreme. Walker eagerly anticipates the early wake-up on Thursday morning.
“I’m going to tear this test up,” he said.
