Just like many other schools in Colorado, Greeley West High School is currently undergoing one of the most academically demanding seasons as the school year comes to an end. AP and IB state testing began about two weeks ago, putting stress on most students. Across Greeley West students are balancing hours of studying as they work toward earning college credit and demonstrating their knowledge in hard courses.

Junior Sophie Herold is taking both AP U.S Government and AP Statistics this year. While preparing for two exams at once has been extremely difficult, she says this experience has helped her become more disciplined with school. “AP Gov has made me pay more attention to what is happening in the state of the world, and AP Stats has challenged me to think differently on new subjects in math,” Herold said. “Its definitely a lot of work, but I feel proud of myself.”

Freshman Claire Ratliff is taking advanced coursework most freshmen are scared of with AP Human Geography and AP Statistics. Even as just a freshman, Ratliff says she wanted to challenge her mind in high school. “The tests are a little scary, but my teachers have helped me get prepared all year,” Ratliff said. “AP HUG has been really interesting because it connects to real-world cultures that I never used to look at.”

Meanwhile, junior Ulises Sanchez kicked off the testing season with the very first test of the season, IB Sports and Exercise Science. Sanches says the source has helped his understanding of athletics and the science behind sports as he is a soccer player. “It is cool learning how the body works especially since I tore my ACL this year,” Sanchez said. 

As testing season continues, students across Greeley West High School are proving their dedication both inside and outside of the classroom as they are eager to begin Summer.