25%

That's how many of my AP tests I have completed. I took the US History test on Friday morning. What did you guys who took it think? I thought the multiple choice was kind of a jerk- we're not on speaking terms at the moment. But the essays weren't too bad. From the people I talked to, most said the same thing- which is both good and bad. It's good because that means I wasn't stupid for marking over 30 of the multiple choice questions as, "I'm not 100% sure about this one" (more like "I'm not even 50% sure about this one but I answered it anyway"). The bad news is that our score we receive is based on how everybody else did. If everyone thought the test was what I thought of it, then I really have no idea what my score will end up being.

Oh well. It's over.

But wait! I forgot to tell you about my little testing fiasco (yes, I know, my life is so full of drama and you can't wait to hear about what happened to me because every story I tell keeps you on the edge of your seat). So THERE I WAS, walking into the testing room in a freaking-out yet slightly confident mood. I had done a test in the exact same room the year before- and I knew how they worked. You found your name on the long tables and sat down. Yeah- that was difficult for me last year-how was I supposed to know they were in alphabetical order? But I was so ready this time. I even knew the general area I would be sitting in. Oh yeah, call me genius.

I walked town my predicted aisle, searching for my name. I found the letter, I found the second letter close to mine, and then.......wait? what!? Where was mine? I went back and forth between the two seats that my booklet should have been between and IT WASN'T THERE (gasp!). Then our school coordinator came up to me and told me they couldn't find my book. What a soothing statement. Would that mean I couldn't take the test? Couldn't get credit? That I had taken that entire year of history for nothing simply because they couldn't find my booklet with the AP labels and bar codes in it?

I know I'm getting you worked up, and I apologize. Don't worry and breathe easy, readers; it all turned out to be okay. They simply had me sit at a desk in the back of the room with some other kids whose booklets had gone 'missing'. And halfway through the test, she found my booklet (I guess it was in some other testing room- I bet they stole it, because who wouldn't want my book with my labels and my bar code?). No harm done, except to my fragile little nerves. But don't worry, I'm in full recovery. Nothing a little therapy couldn't fix.

Now I only have tests Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then I'll be home free for the rest of the year. I'll cross my fingers for all of you guys taking them too. Hope your book doesn't get lost and you kick the test's butt!

PSAT

Today, students all over the country flocked to testing centers to take the PSAT, otherwise known as the Preliminary Standardized Aptitude Test. Who knew there could be so much pressure in such a small test? One would assume that the 'P' would be associated with Pre- or Practice. While teachers and counselors insist that this is what the test is about, there is a weight hanging over our heads: the PSAT is the only test that can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship. This is stressful because:

1. The National Merit Scholarship is a dream scholarship http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php


2. You can only take the test once to get a shot at the scholarship. If you screw up or don't like your score, that's just too bad.

To be brief, a high enough score on the PSAT will get you a full-ride scholarship to certain colleges throughout the the United States (through the National Merit Scholarship). It is the savior of high-school students; this year, college prices increased an average of 5-8%. The average tuition for one year of a public, in-state school (with books and fees) is $17,336.

http://www.finaid.org/calculators/costprojector.phtml

One little test that costs $20 dollars to take could end up saving you over $60,000. It sounds like a good deal to me.

Yet I can't help but wonder: why is there so much pressure on the Preliminary SAT? If this test is to prepare you for taking the SAT, shouldn't you be preparing yourself for something more important? It would be more logical for the National Merit Scholarships to be tied to the SAT. For one thing, you would be able to take the smaller test, get a score, and see how you can improve. By the time you take the SAT, you will know your weak areas and possibly improve your score.

Also, this test is not as well known. TV shows have stereotypical Danny-the-jock carrying around "How to Survive the SAT's," while Sarah sits in a coffee shop fervently taking practice SAT tests. I have not once heard the PSAT mentioned- it remains off the tube and in the real world. This, however, does not bother me, because the less people that take it, the more of a shot you have at recieving the financial aid (most self-centered people feel the same way). Though one could argue that with it being less publicized, people who really need aid will miss an opportunity.

I do not know why the scholarship is set up the way it is- it has been linked to the PSAT ever since its founding in 1955. But I do know this- it gave us our first view a scholarship within our grasp. Perhaps this is where the pressure stems. Whatever the reasons, our answer bubbles are now being carted off to be scored.

All we have to do is wait until December to view our scores.