Testing season at Ferguson

It feels like we just returned from spring break and May is already here. This time
of year is consistently full of bittersweet emotions. As classes start to wrap up, Falcons
are bracing themselves for all the exams that the entire year has been leading up to.
EOC, SAT, AP, and IB tests in different subjects start to take up increasing amounts of
studying time leading up to the final weeks of school.

Some people prefer to practice for their tests using online resources like Quizlet
or Khan Academy. Those platforms are good for relearning material in topics like math
and science, where memorizing formulas can be important for succeeding in their
corresponding tests. It’s even more useful when students have several tests in close
proximity and need to prioritize reviewing efficiently to make the most use of their time.
“IB tests are back-to-back, so I have a few full weeks of tests and then it’s over,” states
senior Stephany Chirino. With so many topics to memorize, those tools can make or
break how ready you feel before the test.

Tests in Ferguson are usually held in the media center, the gym, or classrooms,
with each having its upsides and downsides. Some Falcons don’t like testing in the gym
because of the cold temperature. While it’s meant to help you focus, some people
actually believe it has the opposite effect. “I’m nervous about my APs because I have a
lot of them in the gym where the cold is kind of distracting,” says senior Vanessa Abreu.
We can recommend you bring a sweater to be able to focus on the exams.
There are some benefits to the testing season, as contradicting as that may
sound. Passing EOCs fulfills graduation requirements, and the chance to be rewarded
with college credits after a year of focusing on difficult subjects is a big motivator.
There’s also the anticipation for the final senior events of the school year. “I hate testing
season, it’s really stressful but at least we have prom and graduation once it’s done,”
says senior Giselle Lazo.

Testing season also symbolizes a conclusion to the school year, saying goodbye
to friends and agreeing to meet with them over the summer. Either way, both
upperclassmen and underclassmen will enjoy finishing the year off strong.