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Stress and Tests at Broadneck High

As AP testing looms, Broadneck teens begin to hit the books.

At Broadneck High School and schools all across Anne Arundel County, there are three major levels of learning: standard, honors, and Advanced Placement or AP. The AP classes consist of college level curriculum constructed by The College Board and tend to be far more rigorous and challenging than other levels of learning.

Currently, Broadneck is moving into its fourth marking period, and throughout the month of May, it will begin final testing for AP classes. And not only does a passing grade in an AP course look good on report cards, it also counts for college credit, possibly leaving one class that doesn’t need to be taken in college.

Typically, students begin AP courses in their sophomore year, usually with either AP European or AP World History. Upon junior and senior year, the spectrum widens to include an even larger amount of classes and the potential for taking many different AP courses.

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At this time of year, studying for AP exams quickly becomes an enormous stressor, primarily because a passing grade in an AP class is so hard to achieve. Students also realize that many colleges look at AP scores when determining scholarship grants. As they prepare, AP students are given many tests to get ready for the high-stakes exam.  

“I think the students are under plenty of stress, especially those students with multiple exams to take,” said Jennifer Evans, Broadneck High guidance counselor. “Students really want college credit, and juniors are beginning to look at which colleges they’d like to attend, so it can become a big ordeal.”

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“Definitely start studying early,” advised Broadneck senior Ellie Storck. “And try to get a hold of the Princeton Review [college course review workbooks], too, they really help.” Storck is currently preparing to take the AP Art History, Literature, and Comparative Government exams.

Here are some ways teens can decrease stress from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

  • Exercise and eat regularly;
  • Avoid a lot of caffeine;
  • Learn relaxation exercises (like deep breathing);
  • Break a large task (like studying) into smaller, more attainable ones;
  • Turn negative thoughts about yourself into positive ones;
  • Don’t demand perfection from yourself;
  • Take a break from stressful situations. Activities like listening to music, talking to a friend, drawing, writing, or spending time with a pet can reduce stress.
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