By: Julie Mahoney
STAFF WRITER
This year’s Advanced Placement (AP) exams took place in the Dunn Gym and other spaces throughout Andover High School.
Last year, AP tests were administered at Old Town Hall, but due to the repaving of its parking lot, testing had to be adapted to AHS. Aixa Hilario De Kelley, director of guidance and manager of this year’s AP exams, explained how finding areas for testing and relocating classes were some of the challenges faced. Gym classes had to relocate to the Field House and outside, because they couldn’t use the Dunn Gym.
There were varying opinions on the change in venue. Juniors unaware of the experience of taking an AP test at town hall didn’t mind, as they had nothing to compare it to. Junior Emily Packer, who took the AP Chemistry exam in 255, said “Taking the test in a classroom allowed for a more familiar and comfortable setting which helped ease nerves.”
Being at the high school has its added challenges, however. Senior Isabelle Galgano said, “I do think taking it within our school had its disadvantages like hearing students outside the gym doors and such.”
Senior Miriam Bowman agreed, saying being in town hall “felt like a much more focused environment. I also liked that once the exam was over, I was already downtown and able to do something with my friends after the exam.”
AP tests are always stressful and being in a comfortable and familiar environment can help as Packer thought. And yet there are added benefits from testing outside of school as senior Mara DuranClark says “I think that being away from school is beneficial because we are only surrounded by other people taking the same test,” making it a more specific and singular environment.
Furthermore, it was nice “not having to drive anywhere” else, Bowman added. Additionally, “it’s also an added bonus that it’s downtown. The best part of taking AP tests is the debriefs that take place immediately after at Casa Blanca!” DuranClark said.
