By Karl Hammer’25
Balancing final projects, AP prep, and emotional goodbyes, the Frederick Gunn School, as graduating seniors prepare for Advanced Placement exams, while already securing their college place nationwide. Despite settling their collegiate futures, many seniors continue pushing themselves academically through these rigorous examinations, recognizing the potential long-term benefits beyond high school graduation.
Daisy Moriarty explains that “As a senior, taking AP exams is a lot easier than before, but at the same time, if you score high enough, you can apply the grades towards college credits.” Daisy, who will attend Wesleyan University this fall. This practical approach reflects the pragmatic mindset many Gunn seniors adopt. While admission letters may have arrived, the opportunity to enter college with accumulated credits presents significant financial and academic advantages.
The psychological shift is equally notable. Ben Elsberg, committed to Skidmore College, notes, “Having the experience of taking AP exams before made it less stressful, so it directed me to put my best foot forward, try my hardest, and be more relaxed.” This sentiment echoes across campus as seniors approach these examinations with confidence built from previous experience, freed from the pressure of college admissions hanging in the balance.
This transition period at The Frederick Gunn School is more than just a conclusion to high school—it is a formative experience that shapes students into independent, college-ready learners. As seniors juggle the responsibilities of final exams, AP testing, and the emotional weight of impending farewells, they are called upon to demonstrate time management, personal accountability, and resilience. These demands mirror the expectations they will encounter in college, where academic success often hinges on self-discipline and the ability to meet deadlines without constant oversight. Faculty members act as mentors during this time, guiding students through the complexities of synthesizing cumulative knowledge while encouraging self-reflection and goal-setting for their future academic paths.
