These past few weeks, all I have been hearing from students in my classes is how stressed out they are for their upcoming AP tests. Both my teachers and classmates have been focused on these $90, 2-3 hour tests that could potentially save them thousands of dollars in college. And then there’s me, sitting in class observing their studies, applauding them while I sit in relaxation because I did not chose to take these tests.

This is not going to me bashing on the students taking them; I don’t think I am above those who are. In fact, I’m particularly jealous that they have an extra opportunity to save money. This is, however, an explanation as to why I made my decision, and why there is nothing wrong with taking an AP class and not taking the test.

As much as I wish this was different, some colleges just don’t take the credit. My college, for example, only will accept a 5 in Biology, and the credit I’d receive for that is very minimal. Realistically a 5 is a very difficult score to receive, and to pay $90 for a “maybe” did not seem worth it to me.

Money is also something I have mentioned a lot because it’s a very big deal. I know the point of the test is to save money in the future, however that’s not always the case. And for me personally, I did not have $200 to spend when I was not even sure I would receive a good score.

These tests are hard. They take a whole year of college curriculum and put it into one 2-3 hour highschool test. I have taken one before, so I can confirm that sitting in a chair for that long becomes unbearable and that your brain afterwards has trouble remembering your own name.

On top of that these tests occur at the end of the year, and as a senior, this does not go over well. I have a good work ethic, but I’d be lying if I said my motivation hasn’t gone down with everyone else’s. The amount of studying I would need to do compared to the realistic amount I would actually do would not be equivalent, and since I have come to terms with that, I did not want to lie to myself and waste my money.

AP tests are valuable, and are very smart to take in long run. But choosing to not take them could also be very smart depending on your own situation. I am still an AP student, whether or not I take the traditional tests.