Every May, Advanced Placement (AP) students across the country sit down to take some of the most challenging tests of their high school careers. After months of reading, writing, studying, and reviewing, the big moment comes and goes in a matter of hours. Now that AP exam season is over, students at Seminole High School (SHS) are settling back into their regular routines—but things don’t feel quite “normal” just yet.
For a lot of students, there’s a strong sense of relief. The pressure is off, and students no longer have to spend late nights reviewing notes or practicing free-response questions. The stress that filled classrooms and study groups in April has finally faded. Instead, there’s more laughter in the halls, more relaxed conversations during class, and a noticeable shift in energy. “I took AP United States History and AP Environmental Science, and I prepared for history by watching a bunch of review videos and for APES by doing flashcards.” said Health Academy junior Fatema Hossain.
This freedom brings a lot of joy for students who felt buried in textbooks for weeks. Some have returned to hobbies they put on hold, like painting, gaming, or going for walks. Others are using the time to connect with friends and family, something that was harder to do when they were studying every night.
However, the post-exam experience isn’t all fun and games. For some students, the end of AP season brings unexpected emotions. Without the pressure to constantly study, some feel strangely lost. After spending so much time and energy preparing, it can be hard to figure out what to do next.
“I feel like I know that I procrastinate a lot, and that I have to get better at that, and then obviously AP classes have a lot of content, so I have to learn to teach myself to be more prepared for next time,” adds Raya Murad, a junior in the biomedical science track. She took 4 AP classes this year, including unofficially one of the most challenging classes, AP United States History.
Next year, she says, ‘I’m only taking 3, which I think might help me manage my time better.” This feeling is common. When students spend so long working toward one goal, it’s normal to feel a little empty once that goal is gone. It’s a mix of pride, confusion, and exhaustion all rolled into one. Some students even worry about how they performed, knowing that their scores won’t be released until July.
Still, most students are trying to focus on the positives. Finishing an AP exam is a huge accomplishment, no matter the score. These courses are designed to be college-level, and simply completing them is something to be proud of. Many students now have more flexible class time, where teachers are encouraging creativity, group work, or independent projects. It’s a chance to explore learning in a more relaxed and personal way.
As the final weeks of the school year continue, students are beginning to look ahead. Some are preparing for finals in other classes. Others are thinking about summer plans, part-time jobs, or college visits. And for seniors, it’s one more step closer to graduation.
Even though the AP tests are over, the lessons learned during exam season—like time management, discipline, and persistence—will stay with students long after the school year ends. Whether students are taking a break, getting back to hobbies, or simply catching up on sleep, this moment deserves to be appreciated.
So to all the AP students at Seminole High: take a breath. You made it through.