POV: You’ve Never Taken an AP Exam

By: Lola McGinnis

First time taking an AP exam this year? They’re right around the corner but don’t worry, they’re not as bad as they sound. For HHS, our testing areas are usually in the library and the STEM Makerspace so maybe try familiarizing yourself in the areas to lessen nerves for the day of (AP Psych reference for those who get it). AP exams take place in the mornings and afternoon meaning classes will be missed but you’ll be excused for them including zero period (only applies to morning exams).

AP exams typically last around two or three hours in which they are divided into sections of multiple choice questions (MCQs) and free response questions (FRQs) with a ten minute break in between each section. The amount of questions in each section differs depending on the exam you’re taking. Fair warning, timing for everything will not be told to you by staff within the room, you need to pace yourself on the test and keep an eye on the clock. No one will tell you when to switch over to a different question or anything. If there’s anything you still want to look into such as breakdowns of each section, supplies to bring, potential study plans, and more you can always visit the CollegeBoard website (collegeboard.org) for more information!

The dates for each AP exam:

• Week One:
  • Tuesday May 05, 2026
    • Morning – Chemistry, Human Geography
    • Afternoon – United States Government & Politics
  • Wednesday May 06, 2026
    • Morning – English Literature & Composition
  • Thursday May 07, 2026
    • Morning – World History
    • Afternoon – Statistics
  • Friday May 08, 2026
    • Morning – United States History
    • Afternoon – Macroeconomics
• Week Two:
  • Monday May 11, 2026
    • Morning – Calculus AB
  • Tuesday May 12, 2026
    • Morning – Precalculus
    • Afternoon – Psychology
  • Wednesday May 13, 2026
    • Morning – English Language & Composition
  • Thursday May 14, 2026
    • Afternoon – Computer Science Principles

Good luck to students taking AP exams this year and make sure to take care of yourself during this time!