College Credit for High Schoolers

 By Keniya B.

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What About AP Exams?

By: Asha S.

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What to Do During Social Distancing

By: Angelina N.

What is social distancing, and why is it important right now? 

Social distancing refers to going out minimally, avoiding physical contact with others, and refraining from large gatherings of people. It is used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The contagiousness of a disease is measured based on the R0

"R Naught Ebola and Flu Diagram" by Kiera Campbell is licensed
under CC BY-SA 4.0

(pronounced “R naught”) value, or the average number of individuals that an infected person transmits the disease to. For diseases exceeding an R0 value of 1, such as COVID-19 (which has an R0 value of about 2.2), the number of infections can multiply rapidly because each infected person will infect more than one other person. In addition, COVID-19 has an incubation period of between two and 14 days, with the average being five days. This means that after contracting the disease, an individual will not exhibit symptoms for an average of five days but will still be contagious during this time frame. Since many infected people do not realize they are infected, they can unintentionally transmit the disease to people that they come into contact with. Actively social distancing is therefore necessary to prevent people from unknowingly infecting those with compromised immune systems or older individuals, who are much more likely to experience severe and possibly fatal symptoms. By taking precautionary measures, the number of infections can be reduced significantly. This also alleviates the burden on hospitals, which may experience a shortage of supplies, equipment, or staff otherwise. 

Although practicing social distancing is beneficial to the community at large, spending most of your time at home may seem like an incredibly difficult and dull adjustment. However, instead of viewing it as a major impediment to social contact and various forms of entertainment, you should view it as an opportunity to accomplish tasks you normally wouldn’t have the time for. Below is a list of ideas of how to spend your period of social distancing in both fun and/or productive ways. 

Find a fun mental stimulus 

Doing a mentally stimulating activity is a great way to combat boredom. 

• Play a board game: Options include Monopoly, chess, Scrabble, etc. — the choices are endless! 
• Go old-fashioned: Try your hand at Sudoku, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, brainteasers, or crafts (online DIY videos are a great source of inspiration). 
• Write a short story or poem: Brainstorm ideas that you could turn into a piece of writing. 
  

Take time for self-care 

Since most events have been cancelled, your schedule is most likely cleared right now. Instead of sinking into boredom, you should see it as a calm refuge from the chaos and incessant hassle of normal life. Now is a great time for you to reflect on your mental and physical health. 

• Practice meditation: Meditation is focusing on being more present and aware in all aspects of daily life through techniques such as mindfulness. It has been scientifically proven to be conducive to both mental and physical health, with some of its benefits being lower blood pressure and stress levels, improved sleep and memory, and a stronger immune system. There are numerous meditation apps that can be downloaded with the press of a button (Waking Up, Headspace, Calm, and many more), so meditation is a practice that can be conveniently incorporated into your daily routine. 
• Self-reflect: Oftentimes, we get so caught up in seemingly endless tasks, whether that be

  

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  schoolwork deadlines or upcoming exams, that life seems like a ceaseless “this, that, this, that” and so on so forth. During social distancing, it may seem like everything has suddenly come to a standstill, which is a chance for you to look back on the past few months and plan for the future. Take some time to reflect on your personal growth and accomplishments, as well as what you are still working towards. Set goals for yourself and determine how you will reach them. Jot these ideas down in a notebook, or type them on your computer for future reference. 
• Do what you enjoy: This last one is simple — spend time doing activities that you love! This may be different for every person; it could be spending more time with family, having a movie night with popcorn, or reading a book that’s been on your to-read list for some time. 
  

Start good habits 

It can be hard to incorporate new habits during most of the year because we are often too occupied to feel motivated to do so. Now is the time to pick up good habits that can have a positive impact throughout the rest of your life. 

• Stay active: Staying at home all day makes it easy to fall into a sedentary routine. However,

  

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  social distancing does not necessarily mean refraining from leaving the house entirely; in fact, it’s a great idea to go outside for a walk or a run in a park or other uncrowded areas during the day. There are also many great at-home workout videos online that provide fun and engaging ways to be active. Learning creative ways to exercise and experiencing the rewards of being physically active may motivate you to include it as a regular part of your routine in the future. 
  
• Eat healthy: A great way to use your spare time is to learn about nutrition and creative healthy recipes. Experiment with various dishes, and determine what works best for you. This may help elevate your consciousness about healthy eating habits in the long-term, which will beneficially impact your life in countless ways. 
  

Do some extra studying 

Since after-school events, most extracurriculars, and transportation time have probably been taken out of your schedule, there is now plenty of extra time to study, even if your face-to-face school is requiring you to attend virtual sessions. 

• Study for AP classes: AP exam season is coming up, which means that it’s a good time to start

  

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  reviewing information from last semester. It is also a good idea to keep up with College Board’s updates on modifications to the AP exams this year. College Board has already posted the changes to every AP course curriculum, along with the general structure of the altered exams. Make sure to check their website to avoid studying material you are no longer responsible for and to be prepared for this year’s test format. 
• Do some SAT and/or ACT practice: Use this time to read some SAT/ACT prep books, as they contain helpful techniques for succeeding on these standardized tests. Once you’ve reviewed these techniques, take a few practice exams; these are lengthy and typically difficult to fit in with other obligations, so now is the perfect time to try them. 

Learn something new 

If you’re still having a hard time deciding what to do, it may be a good idea to try something completely new and possibly discover new interests in the process. Ideas include learning some magic tricks, trying out calligraphy, or learning a new language through Duolingo. If you’re still having a hard time choosing, there are great sources of inspiration all over the Internet. 

Donate for a good cause 

Taking social distancing seriously is already a great way to protect the well-being of those around you, but you can take it a step further by donating during this time of need. 

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attribution required

• Donate blood: Due to the ongoing pandemic, blood drives have been cancelled, meaning that there is currently a severe blood shortage. If you are interested in donating blood, check out the requirements for a student blood donor using this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/info-for-student-donors.html 
• Donate to a food bank: Families who face food insecurity are especially vulnerable during this time, with grocery store supplies being depleted rapidly. If possible, consider donating even small instant food packages, candy bars, or personal hygiene products; although it may be difficult to donate in bulk quantity right now, even the smallest contributions can make a difference. 

Social distancing may seem extremely monotonous, but it is actually a great chance to try fun at-home activities, take time for self-reflection, and get ahead in schoolwork and studying. So take advantage of this time to plan out a list of to-dos and start checking it off! 

Works Cited 

Caddy, Becca. “Best Meditation Apps: Practice Mindfulness with Headspace, Calm and More.” 

TechRadar, TechRadar, 21 Mar. 2020, www.techradar.com/news/best-meditation-apps.

Cascella M, Rajnik M, Cuomo A, et al. Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus 

(COVID-19) [Updated 2020 Mar 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): 

StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/ 

Hersh, Erica. “Coronavirus Incubation Period: How Long Before Symptoms Appear?” Healthline, 

Healthline Media, 19 Mar. 2020, 

www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-incubation-period. 

“185_factsheet_social_distancing.Pdf.” Santa Clara County Public Health Department. 

“What Is R0?: Gauging Contagious Infections.” Healthline, 

www.healthline.com/health/r-nought-reproduction-number.

Vongkiatkajorn, Kanyakrit, and Laura Daily. “How You Can Help during the Coronavirus 

Outbreak.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 21 Mar. 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/03/21/how-you-can-help-during-coronavirus/?arc404=true.  

Scientifically Proven Study Tips

By: Sonia G.

Studying can feel like a chore. Some students study for hours and cannot seem to improve their grades, while other students do not study at all and easily maintain “perfect” averages. There are many myths around the topic of studying, but have no fear, scientifically proven study tips are here.

1. Study before you sleep

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What do you do before you go to bed? Many people wind down by reading or listening to music, but it might be worthwhile to try studying. In a 2012 study by the University of Notre Dame, psychologists studied 207 students who habitually slept for at least six hours per night. Participants were randomly assigned to study different types of word pairs at 9 a.m. or 9 p.m. and returned for testing 30 minutes, 12 hours or 24 hours later. At the 12-hour retest, memory overall was much better following a night of sleep compared to a day of wakefulness.¹ So next time you learn a difficult concept in class, consider studying before you go to bed.

2. Study out loud

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Talking to yourself can feel weird. People tend to look at you and you draw a lot of attention to yourself. But when it comes to studying by yourself, you may study better when you study out loud. One study shows that people who explain ideas to themselves learn almost three times more than those who don’t. The Harvard Business Review stated that “talking to ourselves is crucial to self-explaining and generally helpful for learning. For one thing, it slows us down — and when we’re more deliberate, we typically gain more from an experience.” ² When University of Illinois psychologist Brian Ross enrolled in a computer course, he found it hard to keep up with his younger counterparts. After reading assigned texts, he asked himself, “What did I just read? How does that fit together? Have I come across this idea before?” This helped him guide his self-studying, and these same questions can be used as you self-study. Next time you study, consider studying out loud (just not in the library).

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No Attribution Required

3. Exercise before you study

Do you like going for a jog in the evening? Do you like to do yoga before bed? No matter your answer, you may want to incorporate some exercise into your studying schedule. Exercise stimulates a brain structure called the hippocampus, which research has shown is important for reasoning and memory. Besides short-term boosts in cognition, regular exercise can help slow down the shrinkage of the hippocampus that comes with age. Additionally, exercise helps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. By doing just 20 minutes of physical activity before studying, you not only get in a good workout, but you also harness the stress-reducing, positive cognitive effects that can assist you as you study.³

As you read this, it is my hope that you will consider incorporating these tips into your study routine. You may find that after using these tips you will see an improvement in your grades, or your study time will become more efficient. Even if you feel comfortable not studying, it is still a skill that can help you in the future by helping you become more confident in your answers. By making the most of your study time, you may grow to appreciate it and might actually learn something new. Studying is a good skill to hone in high school and can be helpful throughout your future career and other endeavors, if you do it correctly.

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¹ University of Notre Dame. “Sleeping after Processing New Info Most Effective, New Study Shows.” Notre Dame News, 23 Mar. 2012, https://news.nd.edu/news/learning-best-when-you-rest-sleeping-after-processing-new-info-most-effective-new-study-shows/.
² Boser, Ulrich, et al. “Talking to Yourself (Out Loud) Can Help You Learn.” Harvard Business Review, 25 Sept. 2017, https://hbr.org/2017/05/talking-to-yourself-out-loud-can-help-you-learn.
³ Pittman, Olivia, et al. “5 Study Hacks Proven By Science.” College Raptor Blog, https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/tips-tools-advice/5-study-hacks-proven-by-science-and-why-they-work/.

Conquering AP Exams

By: Gracie B.

Jtk13 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

AP exam season can be a difficult time, especially for students taking their first exam or juggling multiple tests. However, like most standardized tests, AP exams are highly predictable in their structure and content. By preparing diligently and employing effective test-taking strategies, you can conquer your AP exams.

Before the Exams

It is crucial to ensure that you have completed all pre-registration materials. If you are taking an exam for a class that is not offered at your face-to-face school, touch base with your school’s testing coordinator to make sure your test has been ordered and is scheduled for administration. Keep track of which of your tests are morning sessions and which are afternoon sessions. Morning exams start at 8:00 a.m., while afternoon exams begin at 12:00 p.m. One notable exception to this schedule is the Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam, which begins at 2:00 p.m. Prepare to arrive at your testing center at least thirty minutes before your exams and make sure you have eaten and are well-rested before testing.

One of the most valuable resources to prepare for AP exams is College Board’s AP Central, which contains free response questions from previous years’ tests. It also provides scoring rubrics and sample student responses. You will find that the College Board tends to ask similar types of questions every year, so studying past tests is an invaluable use of your review time. The College Board publishes a limited number of multiple choice questions on their website, but you can find additional practice tests in targeted prep books such as those published by the Princeton Review. These books also review course content. Khan Academy is another useful resource that provides free videos, summaries, and practice questions for AP subjects such as Calculus and Art History.

Study Resources:
College Board’s AP Central: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/

During the Exams

As you take your AP exams, keep in mind how the tests are scored. On some exams, students may be able to pass by answering only about 60% of the questions correctly. You can still earn a four or a five on an AP exam without being able to solve every problem. The key to mastering AP tests is to find a way to maximize your score by focusing on your strengths. A Calculus BC student struggling with Taylor Series might skip the last free response question and focus his or her energy on answering the other questions. When you are stuck on one specific question, it is often best to make an educated guess and move forward to ensure that you have enough time to complete the rest of the test.

Another key strategy is to look for patterns throughout AP tests. AP exams, especially those in history and social science, often reinforce a series of overarching themes. For instance, you are almost guaranteed to see questions about race relations, women’s rights, and the expansion of America’s role in international affairs on the AP United States History exam. If you understand these underlying concepts, you can often make deductions that will lead you to correct answers. For example, if you know that Native Americans were treated unfairly throughout U.S. history, you can infer that a specific conflict may have been caused by the displacement of natives from their homelands. While some students scramble to memorize every last piece of information pertaining to a subject, those with a deeper understanding of the material are often most successful on AP tests.

After the Exams

AP scores are released in July. The exact date you will receive your score depends on your state. Your school should have issued you an AP number card with instructions on how to log into College Board to view your scores. A score of three is considered passing, as the College Board recommends that a student who earns this score is qualified to receive college credit. A student who scores a four is well qualified, and a student who scores a five is extremely well qualified to receive credit. College Board offers no credit recommendation for test-takers who score a one but states that those who score a two may qualify for credit, depending on the university they attend. Any AP scholar awards you receive will be added to your account in the days following your initial score release. Remember, while a stellar AP score can allow you to place out of introductory college classes, failing an AP test is not uncommon and will not ruin your prospects for future academic success. Most colleges do not require the submission of AP scores as part of the application process, and students who scored poorly may actually benefit from retaking a course in a university setting.

By applying the strategies and information discussed in this article, you can work to ensure that your AP testing season is successful and stress-free.



Sources:
“About AP Scores.” College Board, apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/about-ap-scores/.
“AP Calendar.” College Board, apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/ap-calendar.
Cracking the AP U.S. History Exam. Penguin Random House, 2018.

Advice on Taking AP Classes

The Logic Behind Math

By Charlotte P

Everyone must know how to compute with numbers (basic arithmetic), but once letters are introduced into math, many students start to zone out.

Why?

Because it seems to no longer apply to everyday life, and in a sense, it doesn’t. Few people other than mathematicians, financial analysts, or math teachers graph functions in their jobs. This also seems true for most mathematical skills learned above the level of basic algebra. So, why do people insist that math classes are important?

Math is used in successful occupations.

The 21st century marks the rise of STEM occupations, most of which require at least basic Calculus skills. Occupations in finance also require the knowledge of basic Calculus. Yet, this reason to study math is insufficient on its own because this only helps those who are actually skilled in mathematics. Such a skill can be derived from extensive study, but it is also related to a mere natural ability. Those without the predisposition to succeed in math might find this reason uninspiring.

Math deepens logic.

Remember those geometric proofs? That is only one example of how math relates to logic. In a geometric proof, you aim to prove a statement using given information and established rules. You must set out your logic in understandable steps in order to strengthen your argument. Such a skill is actually closely related to philosophy. In fact, it was developed by the philosopher René Descartes. If you remove the postulates and geometric data and substitute established axioms and given truths, you get a logical conclusion. Other examples involving logic are sequences, probability, and word problems. The logic skills learned in math class can be used to explain your arguments and persuade people in aspects of life outside of the math realm.

Math develops problem-solving abilities.

In math class, you learn that sometimes there is more than one way to solve a problem. Your job is to choose the easiest way. With every problem you practice, you are also practicing figuring out the most efficient method to solve a problem after mentally listing all the possible methods. This is how you solve problems in real life as well. Moreover, other courses do not provide as much problem-solving practice as the subject of mathematics.

Math provides a sense of accomplishment.

Students who eventually master a topic in math can feel pride because math can be difficult, and they were able to overcome the difficulties associated with it. Although not everyone is quick at math, a combination of teacher and student effort can guarantee success in a mathematics course. And because math can be a real challenge, there is a true sense accomplishment that comes with doing well in math.

So, in conclusion, math is not your enemy, but a friend and a trainer. And because doing well math is quite rewarding, don’t give up. Those who persevere can do well at mathematics and at life.

More Than Just Reading the Textbook

By Nicole R.

Have you ever found yourself reading a textbook for homework, and it just goes in one ear and out the other? If you answered yes to this question, then you should stick around. When I first started my AP Environmental Science class I had to read about 25 textbook pages a night and it felt pointless because by the time I got to class the next morning, I had forgotten everything I read. On the first test I scored poorly because of this. Then a solution came! I will do an outline of every chapter. This really helped and brought my grade up 10 points on the next test.

There are many different ways to do an outline. I do mine the way my history teacher taught me, but you should find the way that works best for you.

Mine goes like this:

Chapter # and title

Section #-# and title

Header Title

a. List a point you think is important to remember
b. List a point you think is important to remember
c. List a point you think is important to remember
d. List a point you think is important to remember ( I would try not to list more than four points.)

Header Title

a.

b.

c.

d.

You should keep going until you finish the chapter

Here is an example of one I did in my AP Environmental Science class. This is just one section.

4-6 What roles do species play in an ecosystem?

Each species plays a role in its ecosystem

A. Ecological niche- the role a species plays in an ecosystem. It is a species way of life in a community.
B. Generalist species have broad niches. They can live in many different places, eat many different foods, and live in many different environmental conditions. ex. humans, deer, mice, and rats. Cockroaches are very general.
C. Specialist species occupy narrow niches. They can only eat certain types of food and live in one of two places. They are more prone to extinction.
D. When environmental conditions are the constant is better to be a specialist with few competition, but when conditions change it is better to be a generalist.

Species can play five major roles within ecosystems

A. Native species- normally live and thrive in a particular ecosystem.
B. Non-native species- migrate into an ecosystem. They are also called alien, invasive, and exotic species. They can compete with native species and reduce the amount of them. This is not good.

Indicator species serve as Biological Smoke Alarms

A. Indicator species provide early warnings of damage to a community or an ecosystem. Birds and butterflies are these.

Case Study: Why are amphibians vanishing?

A. They are indicator species. They are the first vertebrates. They are better at adapting to environmental changes through evolution than many other species.
B. The eggs of frogs can not protect themselves from pollution.
C. The population is declining because of human population impacts.

Keystone species play a critical role in their ecosystems

A. Keystone species are species whose roles have a large effect on the types and abundance of other species in an ecosystem. They exist in limited numbers
B. They pollinate plants and regulate the population of other species.
C. The loss of keystone species can lead to population crashes and extinctions of other species in a community that depend on them for certain ecological services.

Foundation species help to form the bases of ecosystems

A. Foundation species play a major role in shaping their communities by creating and enhancing their habitats in ways that benefit other species. For example; beavers
B. The difference between keystone and foundation species is that foundation species help to create habitats and ecosystems. Keystone species do this and more,; they play a role in foundation and an active role in maintaining the ecosystem and keeping it functioning.

This is most commonly beneficial in AP classes where the teachers are not so demanding in how you learn the material as long as you learn it. They give you more flexibility. The key is to not write down everything. You can write too much and it will not be beneficial at all. If you are unsure what to write it is good to start with bold words and italic words. Another suggestion is that I always make my chapter # and title, my section #-# and title and my header # and title different colors. Then before you take the test refer back to these notes to study. GOOD LUCK!

Navigating AP

By Josh K

It’s time to talk about AP - Advanced Placement courses. The mere utterance of that word may send chills down your spine, or cause you to break out in a cold sweat. Yes, AP courses are tough - they’re supposed to be, as they’re college level courses meant to be taken in high school. Naturally, this means more effort and time is necessary to do well; you can’t “cruise control” through AP courses like you can honors or standard, unless of course, you’re aiming to fail the class! Not to worry though, most (if not all) people can survive AP, as long as they chose wisely and understand what they’re getting into. Allow me to explain:

How to succeed in the AP program

1.) Know what AP means

AP is short for Advanced Placement. The whole idea behind AP classes is that high-school age kids, like you and I, should have the opportunity to take college level courses while still in high-school. By doing this, you can be prepared to take an end of year AP exam; should you do well enough on that, you can earn college credit and place out of the course entirely. AP exam scores range from 5 to 1, 5 being top-notch, and 1 representing no recommendation to receive credit. Generally, people shoot for around a 3 to a 5. The College Board (the people who are behind the SAT and the AP program) insists that AP: a.) Looks great to colleges, and b.) Can save you money in college. Both of these are true, assuming you do well in the course. A bad AP score/grade is simply a bad score/grade. It definitely won’t be doing you any favors.

2.) Choose the right area

What does this mean, you ask? Simply put, you have to choose classes and subject areas that you’ve traditionally done well in, and have a genuine interest for. For example, if you’re an amateur journalist/poet/author/writing guru, you should consider taking a course in AP English. Keep in mind the word “consider”; while you may good at English, you should really make sure you understand the dedication required here. For some people, AP just doesn’t work. And that’s absolutely fine. If you try to take an AP class in a subject like psychology, and you hate psychology, you’re going to have a bad time! Like I’ve said in an earlier post, achievment requires passion - if you’re going to achieve in an AP course, you have to have the passion for the subject.

3.) Choose the right number

“I have an idea - I’ll take a full load of AP courses since that’s what colleges love to see! I’ll get into Harvard/MIT/Caltech/Yale for sure!!!!” - NO. Whatever you do, understand that just like many other things in life, quality is stressed over quantity when it comes to AP classes. An AP course typically merits 1-2 hours of homework a night, depending on your teacher and subject. Therefore, if you take a full load of AP’s (full load = 4 classes), then worst-case scenario, you’re looking at 2 hours x 4 classes = 8 hours of homework. Plus, most people participate in extracurricular activities, which takes time away from the AP course at hand. Unless you’re an academic masochist (and if you’re one of these people, by all means go full blast), most people stick to around 3-4 AP’s a year. For example, if you’ve taken 3 your junior year, consider doing 4 senior year. The point here is to keep your load manageable, whatever manageable means to you.

4.) Be aware of the work load

Like I mentioned earlier, AP’s are college level classes. With that comes the extra-responsibility and dedication needed in order to learn and do well on that AP exam, come the end of the year. AP classes are intensive; they really make you think, and on occasion, will stump you beyond relief. That’s OK - the important thing about getting knocked down is having the discipline to pick yourself back up. Fail to do that, and you’ll be miserable, drowning in the sea of AP.

5.) Don’t take them if you’re not ready

“Even though I’m a sophomore still getting used to high school, I’m going to take 2 AP’s like all my friends do and hope for the best.” - this is planning to fail. Last year at my school, there was a large influx of sophomores who considered themselves ready for AP, and took the historically known “easy AP’s”: AP Psychology and AP Environmental. Suffice to say, these classes weren’t that easy, and a sizable number of them ended up doing horrible. They were miserable in the class, they felt bad about themselves, and it was just an awful time. Don’t be like these people - if you’re not ready for AP, for whatever reason, don’t do it. Oh, and FYI: there’s no such thing as an easy AP.

So after reading that dissertation of a blog entry, you may be wondering why you should even bother with AP. The answer is different for different people, but often times, taking AP courses comes from a passion for learning. If you want to work and have a great reward at the end (college credit is pretty cool), AP is for you. I honestly hope I didn’t scare any of you out of it; most people, if not all, should consider AP. There’s a variety of courses to choose from, whether you’re an artist or a scientist. Just remember: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” - Thomas Edison.