by Kerry Richards
The time has finally arrived for us to pay our dues for AP exams. How much does it cost for a student to try to go above and beyond? That’s right, 83 dollars every time a student tries to go beyond just the average. What is that for the three exams I have to take this year? 249 dollars.
How is this fair in any way? Because we, as students, choose to take classes that go above the norm, we are required to pay astronomical amounts for testing. Along with the fees for SAT’s, SAT II’s, and the ACT, of course. Sure, everyone claims it will save us on college tuition in the long run. However, I frankly don't see this happening. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel completely unprepared for any of my AP exams. There is just so much material to cover and practically no time left until exams. It seems utterly hopeless to hope for a four, let alone a five. It is possible, it’s been done, and at Pembroke no less, but that doesn't ease the fear that I've just wasted 249 dollars.
It seems as if this is a cost Pembroke High should attempt to cover. I understand that that is a lot of money. However, it seems unfair to make students pay this fee. Isn’t there some way to raise this money in a much better way? There must be a way through fundraisers or the such.
The time has finally arrived for us to pay our dues for AP exams. How much does it cost for a student to try to go above and beyond? That’s right, 83 dollars every time a student tries to go beyond just the average. What is that for the three exams I have to take this year? 249 dollars.
Next year, with my five exams, that comes to 415 dollars.415 dollars!! That’s three months of car insurance payments, 18 dinners at a restaurant, almost seven weeks worth of work.
How is this fair in any way? Because we, as students, choose to take classes that go above the norm, we are required to pay astronomical amounts for testing. Along with the fees for SAT’s, SAT II’s, and the ACT, of course. Sure, everyone claims it will save us on college tuition in the long run. However, I frankly don't see this happening. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel completely unprepared for any of my AP exams. There is just so much material to cover and practically no time left until exams. It seems utterly hopeless to hope for a four, let alone a five. It is possible, it’s been done, and at Pembroke no less, but that doesn't ease the fear that I've just wasted 249 dollars.
It seems as if this is a cost Pembroke High should attempt to cover. I understand that that is a lot of money. However, it seems unfair to make students pay this fee. Isn’t there some way to raise this money in a much better way? There must be a way through fundraisers or the such.
4 comments:
Kerry,
Although that does seem like a lot of money now, it is peanuts compared to the amount of money you will save (thousands), not to mention the time you will save taking 100 level courses. Also, if you feel that you will not pass an ap test, you can opt to take a final instead. Students who truly cannot afford to pay the test fees may be eligible for financial aid. All in all, I would say its a pretty good deal.You're not being punished. You're being rewarded.
I don't understand how she will save any money. Many colleges don't accept AP tests anymore for credit, so she won't get out of a class in college.
Good entry to generate some discussion, but get ready for reaction.
Two points you should reconsider: first, you are not being forced to take an AP test. You have the very viable option of taking a final exam if the cost is prohibitive or you feel unprepared.
Second, how much is your preparation the responsibility or the school or teachers and how much is it up to you?
As always, don't end without a suggestion for improvement or you will sound like a crank.
You are being forced to take AP exams. No good college is going to accpet any student who has no AP exams. In this day and age, it's just not possible. Also, I only save money if I get a fiv, maybe a four. Getting a three or less gives me no advantage and no saving of money. Also, qualifying for financial aid for these exams are ridiculous standards. The average person can't get aid and stil have trouble affording it.
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