Picture this: it’s the second week of May, and you’re smack dab in the middle of Advanced Placement (AP) week. You stayed up past midnight studying, and woke up extra early to get there on time for your morning exam. But the work doesn’t end once you leave the testing room. You go back to class, and are left with more projects and tests. This isn’t just a scenario, but a real life situation that many Algonquin students face every May.
After two weeks of Advanced Placement (AP) exams, students are left completely burnt out from balancing exams, homework from other classes and extra-curricular activities. Since the pressure surrounding AP exams is overwhelming for many, schools should do more to support students by excusing students from their classes before and after exams and encouraging non-AP classes to reduce workload during those weeks.
For morning exams, students have to answer questions, write essays and solve problems, which requires immense concentration and focus for three hours. Also, these tests require students to either get to school early or stay past school hours. This is mentally exhausting for students, and it can be hard for them to return to class and learn effectively for the rest of the day. Instead, students should have the chance to relax and unwind, as this would give them the opportunity to energize themselves for their next exam or simply for the next day of school.
Regarding finals, students who took the AP exam do not need to take the final exam for that course, allowing students to take half-days or even full days off depending on how many AP classes they took. Since AP students are excused from their courses during finals week, the same should apply to AP exams.
Similarly, for afternoon exams, students should get the chance to sleep in to make sure they are focused and energized for their exam. Many students stay up late studying the night before, and nothing is worse than taking an exam with minimal sleep. Giving students the opportunity to come in just for their afternoon exam would help enhance their focus and performance.
Another major issue regarding AP exams is the amount of work other teachers give in non-AP classes. While it is necessary for teachers to keep moving in their classes, they should acknowledge that students are already kept up late studying for AP exams, as well as loaded with work for those classes. Even in AP classes, teachers assigning last minute review tests can put extra stress on students.
To resolve this for future years, teachers should postpone tests and projects, reduce homework and be understanding of students if they do not submit an assignment on time during these two weeks of AP testing. In this way, students will be able to maintain balance and avoid burnout.
AP exams are designed to challenge students, but they should not be leaving students mentally and physically drained. By excusing students after exams and reducing workloads in non-AP classes, schools can create a more supportive environment for their students that allows them to perform at their best while also protecting their overall health and being.
