Update from College Board on AP Exams
Dear Students and Families,
There are important changes to the College Board Advanced Placement exams that I want to be sure you are aware of, so please read this document carefully and contact the school if you have any questions.
What should I know?
Our AP teachers are already communicating with the students and preparing them for the changes that the College Board have communicated to us. This information has been coming out slowly and we are doing our best to ensure that our students will be prepared.
The testing schedule has changed.
ALL students should check the College Board Exam Schedule and know when their test will be, according to our timezone (CMT).
There will be 3 exams per day.
If a student cannot take the exam in May they will be automatically contacted by the College Board about testing in June, please let us know if this affects you, gbooth@casciahall.com. The June test date is not optimal but it is available as a backup.There are no testing options available after June.
Exams can be typed or handwritten with an image taken and uploaded.
Students are recommended to have two tabs open on their desktop - one for their answer which they can type in a Google Doc or Word Doc and the other tab will have the prompt.
Students can also print their prompt if they prefer and have a printer at home.Handwritten answers will need to be captured in a photo and this will need to be emailed to their main device and begin upload within the time given.
Students can also print their prompt if they prefer and have a printer at home.Handwritten answers will need to be captured in a photo and this will need to be emailed to their main device and begin upload within the time given.
If you feel that you may have bandwidth or tech/connectivity issues please contact College Board BEFORE April 24th
On April 27th “a guide to test day” will be posted by the College Board for students to watch that will explain the testing system on test day.
There will also be a worksheet students will complete in advance and should have with them during the test.
The exam is 45 minutes long
Students must upload their answers immediately when prompted to do so - there will be opportunities provided by the College Board to practice this.
The 45 minutes exam is a tight time frame but the College Board chose this time so that it would not potentially use up data for underprivileged families and because the 45 minutes helped with their security efforts.
The College Board will also have three versions of each test (national, international, and makeup) aligned with previous tests and the scoring will be adjusted if it is found to be particularly challenging.
College Board emphasized that there will be no advantage or disadvantage to taking this test, this way, this year.
The College Board has reassured us that major public school systems and private institutions have all issued statements that they understand, will accept, and support the changes made to the AP exams. There will be more information coming directly from these schools and our counselors will share that with you as it becomes available to us.
What should I do?
Listen to your teachers, talk to your teachers. Your AP teacher is experienced and as prepared as they can be for these changes. They should be your first point of contact and they will see you through this just as they have been preparing you all year for this exam.
Students must all go to their AP student profile and be sure all the information is correct and up to date:
- School code - 373595
- Student email - (this is their only form of communication with students and their way to administer the exam).
- Score destination - this is particularly important for seniors to select what Colleges will have access to their scores.
College Board should have sent you all a survey on April 13th. If this was not received and you have checked your spam folder, please email Mrs. Booth immediately gbooth@casciahall.com
On Exam Day
Please make sure students have a quiet place and good access to wifi on testing days. It is recommended that anyone else in the home should avoid gaming or streaming during this testing period as it may significantly reduce bandwidth.
Students will receive an electronic ticket from the College Board and they will use this on the website to enter the test site. They should do this 30 minutes before the exam because they will need to complete security checks. The exam will start ON TIME.
Have your worksheet with you which was provided by the College Board, which you should have completed in advance of the test day. This will have all the information and details you need for test day.
Do not worry about uploading the test. If a student begins to upload on time then it will continue to upload and accept the test.
Students must BEGIN UPLOADING when prompted. There will be a timer and students should be aware of this timer and upload immediately when prompted or College Board will not accept the test.
If a student experiences tech issues on the day there will be a form the student must complete and submit to College Board. The College Board will review and allow the student to test again in June, if necessary.
In conclusion
I hope that this information reassures you and prepares you for the coming weeks. Until then stay focused on the AP exam, study and review, your efforts will be recognized and rewarded so don't give up because the College Board, your teachers, and the Colleges you want to go to have not given up on you. You have spent ¾ of the academic year preparing for this and this is what you will be assessed on.
Communication is key so please listen to your teachers, and communicate any concerns to them, the school, and your parents.
You've got this!
Truth, Unity, and Love
Shawn A. Gammill, Principal
Gemma Booth, Assistant Principal for Academics
Gemma Booth, Assistant Principal for Academics
