According to what paragraph 2
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business.
It probably contains information on the final exam like the day the exam is, the time the exam is, what you need to bring, what not to bring, rules, how long you'll have to take the test, etc.
Repulsive. The others wouldn't fit at all. Repulsive is the best replacement for abominable.
The narrator is confused or uncertain about how much time has elapsed