Written by Joanna Mijares
Get a look into how the students of MAST@FIU are prepping for a never-before-seen version of AP exams
After an entire school year of intensely preparing for a traditional AP exam, AP students around the world were given very unwelcome news- AP exams were being completely altered. With the sudden introduction of COVID-19 and the closure of schools, AP tests are impossible to administer as they usually would be. Under these unique circumstances, Collegeboard decided to introduce a new, at-home AP exam format.
How have students been handling this sudden change and how have they been prepping for these important exams in the last two months? Let’s find out.
A New Platform
AP exams have never been taken at home before. They are considered some of the most important exams of the year, as they are the culmination of a year’s worth of hardcore studying, and are treated as such. Going from taking a secure exam in a school environment in about two hours to taking a 1-2 question open-book exam at home in 50 minutes is a complete 180° shift. Students are now expected to take photos of their work with good lighting or submit files from their computers within a 5-minute upload window.
Unsurprisingly, this has become a source of stress for many students. “I get so stressed out when I see the timer count down my time to upload! I’m hoping I don’t get tech issues on test day,” said one anonymous student.
Indeed, if a student’s computer runs a bit slow or their WiFi cuts out, their entire AP exam could be compromised. To prepare for this new challenge, teachers are encouraging their students to practice uploading assignments in under 5 minutes, selecting from a variety of upload methods such as emailing, using Whatsapp Web, or Airdropping.
Students also have access to CollegeBoard’s AP demo program at https://ap2020examdemo.collegeboard.org which can simulate what the actual AP exam’s timing is like and has demos of different upload methods. This resource has provided countless students with a way to practice uploading their work efficiently in an official setting.
Collegeboard prominently offers their resources for AP students.
A New Exam: Less Content, More Stress
Considering the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic cut school off in mid-March when the last few units of AP courses were supposed to be taught, it is no surprise that Collegeboard has also cut the last few units of multiple courses off of the exam content list. Rather than review the entirety of their courses, students and teachers are now focusing their efforts into deeply studying the remaining units that will be featured on the exam.
However, just because the volume of content has been lessened doesn’t mean that students don’t feel the pressure of having to learn at home.
As stated by 11th grader Matheo Gazabon, “I feel as though the responsibility to perform well is mostly up to us and that can put a lot of pressure on students. Even though we have wonderful teachers who do everything in their power to help us succeed, online teaching won't ever be the same as regular classes, especially during these months where reviewing is critical”.
This concerned mindset is shared by many students.“Honestly, I am not very excited about these exams. I feel as if I won’t be able to give my all and it is sort of saddening. I will try my best, though!” shared an anonymous student.
How has exam review changed?
AP administrators have made the bold decision of cutting out multiple-choice questions altogether, opting for tests composed entirely of FRQs or an essay. Students and teachers have had to change their studying methods accordingly.
Collegeboard created a series of YouTube lectures to have students review the exam content with actual AP teachers, which is another important resource countless students are using. Junior and AP Calculus student Sascha Agenor states “I've been doing a lot of practice frqs for AP Calc and have been having frequent tutoring sessions with Ms. Sellanes. I'm also reviewing my notes and have watched a couple of the college board lives.”
Collegeboard’s AP YouTube channel has hundreds of helpful review videos.
AP teachers, such as AP Calculus teacher Ms. Sellanes and AP Biology teacher Ms. Bermudez, have been hosting weekly Google Meets sessions to help their students review content. By being available to help their students in live sessions and providing sample FRQs, these teachers, along with many other AP teachers at MAST@FIU, have helped their students review content despite the barrier of not being able to meet in person.
Though AP exams may seem scary, many students have resources available to them through their teachers and through Collegeboard to help them get through these trying times. As said by 11th grade student Maya Baker, “Although it’s been a weird few months it’s nice that we still get to display the skills we’ve learned this year. I feel really prepared and supported by all my teachers.”
Collegeboard offers a 5 step guide leading toward exam day.