New Richmond High School junior Mackenzie Minning achieved what few students have when she scored a 5, the highest score possible, on her AP US History exam.
Nationally, the average score on the AP US History (APUSH) test was 2.9 last year, according to NRHS Principal Joe Stewart. Only 3 percent of the students who took the test nationally scored a 5.
Undaunted by the odds, Mackenzie set out last school year to score a 5 on her APUSH exam and actively engaged in extra studies in an effort to help achieve her goal.
“I watched a lot of Heimler’s History videos on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/SteveHeimler),” she said. She also read the book “5 Steps to a 5: AP US History” and took advantage of any and all study suggestions offered by teacher Brad Hatfield. Time management is a critical component of doing well on the exam, she said. To help budget her time, Mackenzie said that she used a stopwatch while writing practice essays.
Mackenzie and her family were on summer vacation when she received the email announcing her score. Immediately she texted her mom, NRHS teacher Logan Minning, with the fantastic news.
“We are incredibly proud of Mackenzie. She works so hard to juggle her gymnastics training schedule, work, and the rigorous academics,” said Mrs. Minning. “She is passionate about her interests and always puts in 110 percent.”
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Mackenzie intentionally seeks out rigorous courses. This school year she is taking AP literature, College Credit Plus Precalculus and CCP Chemistry. In addition to APUSH, Mackenzie has already completed CCP Comparative Politics and CCP Spanish.
Additionally, Mackenzie is the treasurer of the junior class, an award-winning gymnast, and president of her 4-H club.
After high school, Mackenzie said she plans to attend college but isn’t exactly sure of what career field she will pursue. Currently, she’s focused on the medical science field.
Mackenzie is the daughter of Logan and Stephen Minning.