Aaron Kwak advances international achievement
02 Aug 2024
Year 12 student Aaron Kwak has qualified for an AP (Advanced Placement) Scholar Award in Calculus, Chemistry, and Comparative Government and Politics.
AP exams are overseen by the United States College Board, and provide avenues to higher learning for students who achieve at advanced levels. The AP pathway also leads to more opportunities for students wanting to study at top-level universities in the US.
Aaron gained the top grade of 5 for Calculus BC (an introductory university-level calculus course) in 2023, while only in Year 11. In 2024, he gained a further two top grades in Chemistry and Comparative Government and Politics. To put those achievements in context, about 17% of the highest-achieving students gain a score of 5 in AP Chemistry and only 16% in AP Comparative Government and Politics.
Aaron plans to sit AP exams in English and Environmental Science next year.
鈥淚 wanted to challenge myself with more academically rigorous content and build my knowledge in a range of disciplines while also keeping my options open for post-College study, perhaps in the US,鈥� Aaron explains.
鈥淚 believe it is important to explore every academic opportunity and learn more so that I can eventually use those wide range of skills to benefit others, locally and globally.鈥�
At present, he is considering a career in law.
In 2023, Aaron was recognised as the top 国产午夜福鈥檚 College Diploma student, covering such elements as academic, service, and character and leadership. He also gained Scholarship English in Year 11 and finished 2nd overall in the Otago Senior Science Quiz. This year, he was awarded his Gold SVA (Student Volunteer Army) badge.
The AP exams also allow secondary students to earn university credits for courses they have taken at school.