I’m a sophomore taking AP Spanish Language, and I have been taking Spanish for 5 years (middle school classes weren’t the most helpful though). I know I am going to have to work really hard to compete with native speakers for a 5, but I’ve been having a lot of problem lately. I bought the Princeton Review book and am doing some of the reading passages but am getting 1/6 on most of them… any advice? I would appreciate tips on anything you did/are doing to prepare! Thanks.
First of all, do you know why you’re scoring so low on the practices? Do you not understand what’s going on in the readings? It helps to first pinpoint the root of your problems and go from there.
Although I did not get a 5, as a nonnative speaker who got a 4, what helped me the most was practicing. Also keep in mind that reading passages are only a part of the exam. You’ll have a listening-focused section, a speaking section, and a writing section too. If you do poorly on one, that doesn’t mean you have no hope of a 5.
Maybe AP Spanish as a sophomore is not the right move. Generally middle school spanish is considered a year, maybe 2 of spanish. So perhaps you should be taking Spanish 3 or 4 and then take AP Spanish in the future.
I echo bopper- you might not have enough prep to handle the level that AP Spanish is at. For reference, I am a non-native speaker enrolled in AP Spanish in my senior year, and I have been enrolled in Spanish classes since 5th grade (all honors level 9th-11th), in addition to speaking Spanish with my live-in babysitter since I was very young. Even with this experience, AP Spanish is difficult for me, so I can certainly imagine it is difficult for you.
I would recommend meeting with your teacher and discussing your options.