Once academically oriented students go into high school, it is almost definite for them to take an Advanced Placement (AP) class. It depends on the student and the school system, but by the student’s sophomore year, the majority of academically oriented students take at least one AP class to get college credit.
The regular price of one AP exam is $92, but students with free- or reduced-lunch costs are able to get a large discount. Students who are ineligible for the benefit often have to frown looking at the total price they have to pay.
Kevin Park, a sophomore at John Marshall High School, told JSR, “AP exams are too expensive. It is a manageable price for people who get the free- or reduced-lunch benefit, but gives pressure for other students. Lowering the prices would relieve the pressure as taking a certain amount of AP exams at the same time, the price does add up.”
Students in high-income families are not able to find what is the big deal and ones in low income families will receive the benefit so they will be fine, but the problem is the middle-class families. Some families are not able to receive the benefit because their income is just a bit higher than the line that is set. Students and parents in this kind of situation have to worry and debate if he or she should take the exam.
AP exams are for the students’ benefit. For this purpose to be accomplished, prices of the exams must be lowered. Students shouldn’t have to debate whether to take the test or not because of the price. Currently AP exams cost more than the SAT and the ACT. Even though AP classes are optional, students should not have to feel a burden because of an exam fee.
