IVY LEAGUE ASPIRATIONS

Mrs Helen McCleary, Senior Studies

EACH year, TSS has a small number of students who take Advanced Placement (AP) examinations which are the culmination of year-long AP courses as offered in the United States by the College Board. AP courses are aligned to college-level curriculum; they are fast-paced, cover more material than regular high school classes, and require independent research and analysis.

There are hundreds of universities in dozens of countries around the world that recognise AP exam scores in their admission process, with some colleges and universities in the U.S. granting credits or advanced placement based on AP test scores. These test scores are highly regarded as one of the optimum indicators of college success.

This year due to COVID-19, rather than the examination schedule being cancelled, the College Board elected to offer AP students the opportunity to take their AP tests online at home. To enable security protocols needed for at-home testing, students worldwide were required to take their tests at exactly the same time, regardless of local time in their respective countries.

Which brings us to Year 12 student Vishaak Gangasandra… Vishaak logged into the AP Exam portal at 3:30am to complete his AP Chemistry exam.

In the lead up, Vishaak spent several months learning the course work; he then spent several days rehearsing for this early morning start in order to give himself the best possible chance to demonstrate his abilities.

Vishaak was creative in his approach and committed in his resolve to do his best, showing excellent character which of course reaffirms the integrity he brings to his position as TSS Vice-Captain.

We congratulate Vishaak on his unwavering commitment to his Ivy League aspirations.