Tackling Online AP Test Taking

Written by: Emma Sears 

Every May, thousands of students across the US pour hours of their time into studying for numerous Advanced Placement exams, hoping to earn themselves a high score on the difficult three-hour test. However, the formats of the AP exams were much different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic preventing students from taking the tests at school. The College Board's solution? Online exams.

The College Board modified the test due to the conditions that forced students to test from home. Instead of a three-hour timeframe, the exam was condensed to only 45 minutes, giving students a limited opportunity to flaunt their knowledge. While most AP exams usually include a multiple choice portion, the College Board removed the section this year to deter any cheating. Another unprecedented change seen this year was that the tests were made to be open note, meaning students could reference their resources freely during the time of the exam.

When asked about her personal experience with AP exams this year, Sparta High School junior Fiona Sipple said, “I thought that the hard work us AP students put into the year was not showcased in any of the AP tests. The 45 minute limit was not adequate especially when [on] the original test we would have had more time. With that being said, I think I speak for most when I say that we did the best we could under the circumstances and we hope for the best now that AP tests are behind us.” Sipple took both the AP US History and the AP Language and Composition exams.

While these were not the ideal conditions envisioned by high schoolers hoping to earn their deserved college credit on AP tests, we are lucky to still have had the opportunity to have taken the exams through distance learning. Best wishes to all who took AP exams!

Source: Twitter 

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