With the school year wrapping up, the focus of many Hellgate students has shifted to the dreaded AP and IB tests, which signify the culmination of a year of hard work. All of Hellgate’s AP and IB tests fall within 3 weeks of each other which leads to a month of stress and cramming for some.
The first tests began on April 29, with IB Sports Exercise and Health Science, and will culminate with IB Math, AP Physics, and AP Psychology on May 16. Most tests take place in the Knight Hall or upper gym, but some are having to be moved to classrooms because of the density and high number of tests.
Testing can be especially challenging for students who are taking more than one higher-level test such as Leo Westenfelder, Seamus Campbell, both juniors, and Jamison Molloy, a senior. For example, Molloy is sitting for three tests in the span of nine days.
“I wish there was a little bit more review time [in classes], but now we’re just trying to get it in before then,” said Molloy.
With the density of the testing period, many students have complained about high stress levels. “I think the stress level is at a nine out of ten right now,” said Westenfelder, which Campbell seconded.
Students have been utilizing a number of stress management tools, such as watching shows, spending time outside or with friends, and cleaning.
“In between studying I clean my room, because then I have less things to be stressed about,” said Molloy.
Exercise, at least 8 hours of sleep, and proper nutrition and hydration are also important things to prioritize during AP and IB testing season.
But of course, the best thing you can do to lower your stress is to study. “I’m a big fan of Khan Academy,” said Westenfelder. Campbell agreed, emphasizing the importance of Khan’s videos and example problems.
Knowing what you are going into is the best way to do well on a test. If you have a good understanding of the course, you have a good likelihood of doing well on the exam.
Weslley Banziger, a freshman who’s taking the AP Human Geography test on Tuesday, May 6, said she feels confident because of the time she’s put in studying throughout the class. “It’s what you’re doing for the whole year. You’re just studying for that test,” said Banziger.
Exam stress is a real and dangerous thing: it can affect not only your test results but also your stress outside of school. Be sure to take care of yourself during this stressful time.
It is absolutely gorgeous in Montana during the spring; so take a walk, go for a bike ride, play a sport, have a picnic with friends, do anything to set yourself up for success. You can’t do well if your physical and mental states are all out of whack.
