By Luthea Sweeney, photo editor 

As a result of the five Advanced Placement classes being added to the curriculum during the 2017-18 school year, more Saegertown students have received the College Board’s designation of AP Scholar each year. However, this year Saegertown has named its first AP Scholar with Distinction since Gabe DeYoung in 2019: senior Brennen McWright. 

To become an AP Scholar with Distinction, you must earn a minimum average score of 3.5 on all exams taken, and scores equal to or greater than a three on five of these exams. McWright has passed Calculus AB, Statistics, Biology, Physics, and the English Language and Composition exams. This year, he is enrolled in AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics through Florida Virtual School, and AP English Literature and Composition, AP US History, and AP Psychology through Saegertown Jr. Sr. High School. 

McWright has already reached the highest AP Scholar award as a junior, yet he has decided to take 5 additional AP Courses this year.

“AP classes are the closest thing you’ll get to a college class, which is a valuable experience to have,” McWright said. “In addition, AP classes show colleges that you’re attempting to challenge yourself as much as possible.”

All AP exams are administered in May. Testing week is generally a stressful time for students not to mention those who take advantage of the multitude of AP classes offered to them. 

“Your brain will be mush after testing week.” McWright admitted. He then advised that AP exam takers make sleep a priority. 

Despite the stress of AP classes and exams, McWright feels he is much better prepared for college classes. Advice from an AP Scholar with distinction to students enrolled and those who plan to enroll in the future, “AP tests are the kind of exams that you can’t cram for the week before… you have to study the whole year.”

For further information on AP Scholar Awards, visit https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/view-scores