The Anatomy of a Perfect AP Art Portfolio

This year, East Ridge High School (ERHS) senior Sophia Soo joined an elite group of artists by achieving every point possible on her Advanced Placement (AP) Art portfolio. 

To honor this achievement, ERHS staff arranged a surprise for Sophia earlier this month. ERHS AP Art teacher, Jessica Frisco, secretly conspired with Sophia’s family to borrow some of her artwork so that they could create a pop-up gallery celebrating her accomplishment. The gallery was quickly assembled while ERHS principal Jim Smokrovich created a diversion and asked Sophia to meet. Much to Sophia’s surprise, Principal Smokrovich’s meeting was a gallery of her artwork and a cafeteria full of staff, friends and journalists to greet her.

Sophia's favorite art pieces, including a self-portrait of her inner self, had recently vanished from her home. Sophia then saw them mysteriously displayed on the stage. Laughing, she said to her mother, “That is why you replaced my art, this is where they went!" 

Sophia was seated on stage while Ms. Frisco then told Sophia the news that she had scored 100% in every category of her AP Art portfolio. Meaning, Sophia was in the top 2% of AP art portfolios submitted worldwide.

To reduce this achievement to a mere number is to miss the profound importance of what this score represents. Unlike most AP exams, which are concluded in a three-hour sit-down test, the AP Art portfolio is a year-long marathon. It is a comprehensive examination of a student’s entire artistic process. 

“I don’t think people understand the level of talent it takes to create a successful AP Art portfolio,” said Frisco. “It is more than just technical skill mastery; these kids are being asked to dig deep within themselves to find out who they are, then express that through artwork. This is something grown adults struggle to do, so for a teenager so fresh in her journey to be able to do that successfully speaks volumes about her talent and personal growth. We’re so proud of her.”

Sophia was awarded with a certificate, a photo book of her portfolio, a monogrammed leather sketchbook and a bonsai tree for her impressive accomplishment.

Her portfolio titled, “How can I explore and reckon with my cultural identity?”, focused on how her Chinese culture has shaped her experiences as an American. In her artist statement, Sophia says, “These works led me to explore the relation of my physical body to my feelings of authenticity/'chineseness.’”

“I wanted to explore the existence of duality, like the shell of a chick versus the inside embryo,” said Sophia.

“Sophia has always been full of independence and individuality, even from a young age,” said Sophia’s mother, Hue. “We are so proud of her, and so excited to see her celebrated.” 

“The AP curriculum helped me get out of my comfort zone and challenged me,” said Sophia. “Ms. Frisco really encouraged me to trust myself when it came to my new ideas, no matter how silly I might have thought they were.”

Sophia’s perfect score is the culmination of countless hours, moments of frustration and artistic breakthroughs. It is a recognition that her voice, vision and dedication have been seen and understood at the highest level. Following graduation, Sophia hopes to attend Brown University in Rhode Island and plans to study medicine with a minor in art.

Congratulations Sophia!