The truth is that there are still many colleges that offer these examinations and have very little or no coursework involved. Although these colleges may still have similar exam preparation materials, the results will be very different. The result is that students will have a lower score on the examination as well as not having as much practical experience on real laboratories.
Most students who elect to take the IPEs at the college level should ask a variety of questions to determine if the college will be a good choice. Asking questions about the professors and lab instructor will give the student an idea of the educational level of the lab instructor as well as the experience and professional training of the students.
It may also be helpful to ask about the teaching methods used at the college, as well as whether or not the class is taught online. Students should also inquire about the equipment used in the labs, as well as the areas of concentration.
Overseas student? A foreign student may need to speak both English and the native language in order to pass the exam. To help students who are considering a foreign language course, it may be helpful to have an interpreter or even a “listening buddy” present to help translate into their native language when needed.
When considering a foreign language course, students should determine what courses are available from the local community college. A variety of classes can be offered for a particular course, such as lab science, biology, chemistry, and calculus, and students should determine which class is the most beneficial to them before scheduling a visit to the college.
Many students opt to schedule a visit to the community college because they do not feel comfortable taking a chemistry class or any course in a foreign language. In this case, it may be helpful to consult with a counselor or adviser at the college as well as the foreign language professor before scheduling a visit.
It is important to remember that many colleges have different types of IPEs that are offered for each of the chemistry and foreign language courses. Students should research the requirements and learn about the type of IPE in use by the college before scheduling an appointment to learn more about the specific requirements.
Students should also find out if there are study guides available for the required chemistry and foreign language courses in the college before coming in for an exam. Study guides are usually included in the cost of the exam and can greatly increase the effectiveness of the test.
During their free time, students can review the information provided on the AP Exams and determine which kind of exam they would like to take. During their free time, the students can also speak with their counselor or professor to obtain additional information that will help them complete the AP Exams.
Another suggestion for students who decide to schedule an exam is to follow good test-taking habits and practices. When testing for the AP Exams, the students should be aware of the time allotted for each section and their natural pace as well as what they need to study in order to maximize their score.
Each IPES that is required by the state board is different and unique in its own way. There is no right or wrong way to take the exam, but one thing is certain: the more preparation one can do prior to taking the exam, the better off they will be when taking the exam.
