My AP Exam Redos: Reflecting on Key Experiences

Reflecting on my academic journey, there are a few AP exams that stand out as particularly challenging and impactful. If I could redo an AP exam, they would be most notably in my Psychology, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Human Geography courses. Each of these subjects presented unique challenges and lessons that continue to shape my approach to learning and preparation.

AP Psychology

After testing for a 5 on all of my AP exams, with an A grade in the course, it was disappointing to score a 4 on the AP Psychology exam. My teacher, although knowledgeable, struggled to convey the material effectively. Given another shot, I would aim for a perfect score—a 5—to fully align with the level of knowledge I possess now. Having the benefit of hindsight, I realize that with more thorough preparation and review, I could have demonstrated a deeper understanding of psychological concepts.

AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is the exam I would redo the most if given the opportunity. My teacher’s lack of enthusiasm and mishandling of the material significantly impacted my motivation and comprehension. I believe that if I had studied more diligently outside of class and approached the course with a proactive mindset, I could have achieved a higher score. This regret underscores the importance of self-motivation and an active role in one's own education.

College Anatomy and Physiology

Mentioned earlier, my experience with College Anatomy and Physiology was particularly trying. Despite knowing the course would be challenging, the sheer volume of memorization required left me overwhelmed. The term was particularly stressful as I was juggling 22 credits and student teaching responsibilities. Ultimately, I managed to scrape by with a C, a grade that was crucial in determining my graduation timeline. While I am grateful to have completed the course and my degree, the experience highlighted the dangers of cramming and the importance of spreading challenging coursework throughout one's academic term.

AP Human Geography

My AP Human Geography experience turned out quite differently from my expectations. As a freshman, my teacher, also a new instructor, lacked experience, and the curriculum was truncated due to the short semester. Despite the entire freshman class receiving excellent grades during the course, the AP exam revealed significant gaps in understanding. This hindsight suggests that with a bit more preparation, I could have performed much better. If I were to retake this exam, minimal studying would likely yield a 5, indicating the ease of the material post-graduation and the importance of a well-rounded approach to learning.

Conclusion

Reflecting on these experiences, it is clear that each AP exam offered a unique set of challenges and lessons. From AP Psychology to College Anatomy and Physiology, and even AP Human Geography, these subjects not only tested my knowledge but also taught me the value of thorough preparation, self-motivation, and strategic time management. Future students would do well to emulate these insights in their own academic pursuits.

Key Takeaways

Thorough preparation is essential for success in AP exams. Self-motivation and proactive learning can significantly impact academic performance. Spreading challenging coursework throughout one's academic term can reduce stress and improve long-term retention.

Today, with a deeper understanding of these principles, I am better equipped to support and guide future generations of students in their academic endeavors.