First AP Test Ever

Today, I took my first ever AP Test this morning at school.  AP Calculus AB. I woke up extremely early on a late start day as we had to be at school by 7:15. It was a great first experience as I got a taste of what an AP Test is like. To me, this AP Test was like a practice one. Even if I don’t do as well as I desire on today’s test, next year’s Calculus BC will cover the AB Credit. The test was about 4 hours long and it was tiring and dreadful.

I walked into the gym expecting it to be like the CAHSEE. We go in and get our booklets and start the test. But no, it wasn’t quite like that. I walked in and got placed in a seat number. After everyone got seated (both calc AB and BC people which took a long time), we got started. Ms. Silber went over all the steps and I kind of got lost; I didn’t know what to do with the booklets. Somil, who was sitting right next to me, helped me out and aided me on what to do, such as placing the AP student number sticker on the test booklet and answer document. I couldn’t quite understand what Ms. Silber was saying on the instructions. Everything seemed so formal, kind of like a SAT Test.

We began the test around 8:45 and Part I of the multiple choice non-calculator began. 55 minutes. I skipped 7 questions as I didn’t want to take any chances in guessing. Immediately right after that 1st part was done, we began Part II, the calculator section. I had to think thoroughly and for a long time on 3 questions and in the end, skipped only 1. I was aggressive in answering my questions. After a brief break where I ate a light snack, Part III, the FRQ section began. It is divided into two 45 minutes sections with 3 questions each. The FRQ were weird. I understood the concept of doing the problem but had a hard time in analyzing the problem and what to do with it. I think I did ok on that part. Probably got at least a 6 on each question. So that was it, the AP Calculus AB Test. We ended testing around 1:00 PM. About 4 hours of testing. I was exhausted afterwards and had to show up to 5th period for 5 minutes.

Many upperclassmen left right after the test as they submitted notes to the note box excusing them from leaving school after the AP Test. I didn’t know that and now I know. Next year, for sure I will bring a signed note from my parents that will enable me to leave right after the AP Test. I don’t see a point in sticking around for the rest of school especially after sitting through 4 hours of AP Testing. I’d probably go home or go eat lunch. That’s my plan for May 2011. In fact, on the days before some APs, I might even take a day off to study. That’s all next year.

The total amount of points is 99. 28 MC + 17 MC + (9 points each x 6 FRQs). We only need a 68 to get a 5. I think I got at least a 4 on the AP Test. O well, I’ll find out in July. But today was a good first-time AP Test experience for me. Now I know how to do things, such as the AP Student Pack, filling out the circles, etc. APs for me are over now and I can breathe a sigh of relief.