Students and teachers tackle new challenges with the ongoing changes to the Advanced Placement (AP) testing format. Many tests are going completely virtual, changing the norms from how AP tests have been administered for decades.
“I took six AP classes,” said University of Delaware freshman Chloe Pitre. “The tests all had a very similar format with a packet of multiple choice questions and a packet of writing [questions].”
Many students prefer testing on paper rather than digitally because they are concerned about the efficiency of technology.
“I like paper tests because you won’t have problems with your computer, and writing helps me think,” said sophomore Kervin Vitug, who is taking his first AP test this spring.
Kervin also noted that the option for paper testing allows all types of learning styles to thrive, and it gives them different preparation methods. Pitre reported that her test preparation process was quite smooth.
“What prepared me most for taking the AP exam was the [practice] tests and the AP classes being structure[d] like the AP exam itself,” said Pitre. “When they weren’t structured in this way, I felt [like] I had to rethink my test-taking strategy once I took the actual AP exam.”
Preparation and understanding the format for the AP test leads students to success. College Board is taking steps to help prepare students for the changes. They have developed a new app, Bluebook, to aid students with preparation. The app will have questions formatted similar to those on the test, so students will know what to expect.
Counselor and AP Coordinator Bryan Everett is not worried about the change.
“Students will be intelligent enough to make the change,” said Everett. “They will learn how to adapt; things are constantly changing.”
As students are adapting to these changes, teachers and administrators are ready to help students feel prepared.
“The teachers [prepare] them for it,” said Everett. “The teachers are aware of the format [and] are giving them the blueprint. They should go along as normal.”
The times are changing, and tests, in almost all classes, AP and beyond are going virtual.
As College Board applies these new changes, students and teachers will continue to prepare for the end-of-year tests. The more students prepare themselves ahead of time, the more successful they will be in May. Visit College Board for more information.
