
What do your students need to know about the upcoming AP exams?
I attended the Collegeboard counselor event last Thursday to learn more about the details of the AP exams for 2020. How were they going to be offered? What courses would be offered? How would the tests be secured? So many questions! I summarized my biggest take aways for you to share with your students here.
Cyndy McDonald
TAKING THE AP EXAM
How will students take the AP exam online?
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- AP exams are all online, free-response, and 45 minutes long
- Exams will be open note
- Students can choose between hand writing responses or typing answers for submission
- Students can take the exam on any device: computer, tablet or phone
- Students will be responsible for keeping track of their time, and turning in their exam on time
Are all subjects offered online?
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- 32 subjects will be offered online
- 6 subjects have portfolio submission requirements, and do not have an online exam.
- Language exams will be spoken, and not have written responses.
Have students check online for the status of their subjects? Do they have portfolios due? Are all their tests online?
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- Students who registered for AP exams in the fall will receive unique access link or code to use when taking the exam
- Some very sophisticated software has been implemented to deter cheating and validate a student’s identity
- Anti-plagarism software is being used to ensure student’s work is original
- Collegeboard is purposely being vague about the exact measures they are using to minimize cheating
- Teachers will have access to all their students’ exam responses at a later point
Emphasize to your students the importance of doing your own work, and the futility of trying to cheat.
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- Students can drop AP tests from their schedules and receive a refund of fees paid (which should still be held by the school)
- Students cannot add an AP exam to their schedule at this point. They have to take the tests they registered for in the fall.
If a student did not sign up for an AP exam for an AP course they are in, it is too late to sign up now. It has to do with the security measures put in place.
AP EXAM PRACTICE
What are my options for review prior to the AP exam?
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- Complete assignments from instructors
- Participate in Daily AP Course reviews (32 courses)
- View online Classes by Courses
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any high school student to learn from the most experienced AP teachers in the world. Encourage students to use their extra time to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Some of the classes are livestreamed. New lessons are posted on April 6, 8, and 13.
AP EXAM SCHEDULE
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- May 11 exams start
- May 22 exams end
- up to 3 exams per day
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- June 1 make up exams start
- June 5 make up exams end
AP Exam Chart as listed on the Collegeboard website.