The Future of Advanced Placement (AP)

Some Covid-related exam changes are temporary, but others are likely here to stay – and the legitimacy of the entire AP program hangs in the balance.

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the AP exams this year have changed almost everything about the format of the exams. From content tested to timing, the AP has adapted quickly to not only make the tests digital but also at-home and open-book. 

The College Board recognizes what a big shift it is making in altering the format of AP exams. While some of these changes are in direct response to the realities of closed schools and access inequities, some are a seemingly natural step in our education system’s progression to digital media and online learning.

Given the timing of AP exams this week and next, we’re at an ideal juncture to stop and reflect, Which of these changes will likely continue to impact the program?

Stopgap Changes

Let’s first look at the changes that probably won’t stick around after quarantine ends.  To adjust for this year’s unique circumstances, the College Board has instituted shorter tests and limited testable material for the 2020 exam. Instead of the longer-format exams to which students (and teachers) are accustomed, many tests this year clock in at about 45 minutes. 

This means you’ll be less exhausted when you’re done, but it also means you’ll have fewer opportunities (e.g., problems, prompts, and time) to prove your mastery of the materials. While the College Board has explained how they’re adjusting for this change, it will likely be stressful for test-takers and probably not continue into future years. 

Another change that’s drawing criticism is the decision to implement synchronous testing, which means every student will take AP exams at the same time, no matter where in the world they are. This leaves some students taking their AP exams in the middle of the night. If at-home testing continues to be an option for test-takers, the College Board should come up with a fairer solution for all students.

Finally, the single biggest disadvantage to this year’s AP students is the limited curriculum. What Advanced Placement courses essentially do is replicate and replace a similar college course. Whether these unfinished courses are in math, science, or the humanities, cutting late-course content will make it difficult for students to proceed smoothly into their college coursework. 

Changes Here to Stay

On the other hand, changes like moving the exam to an online format and allowing students to use notes and class materials may become part of the regular testing process. Even before the Covid-19 crisis, the College Board’s main competitor, ACT,  has been working toward an online testing platform that will debut domestically this fall. 

Having made similar changes to AP exams, it’s difficult to imagine the College Board moving backward on this issue. There will be issues of access to technology, adjustments for students with accommodations, software and hardware glitches… but these obstacles will all be addressed, in due time.

In terms of student experience, the “open book” model is probably the biggest change we’re seeing right now. An open book test challenges students in ways different from the traditional exam – less memorization, more contextualization. This drive for a broader understanding parallels how many college courses are taught, and may continue to be a valuable model for AP.

Colleges Respond

While some universities are reconsidering their policies on accepting AP and IB exams for course credit, the vast majority of them have already committed to accepting the at-home AP tests for course credit. In other words, taking your AP tests is still valuable time spent. 

In addition, the College Board is giving you every opportunity to be ready for the “big day” (or “days”). The 2020 AP Testing Guide allows you to practice everything you’ll need in order to be prepared, technically, to take your exam(s). You can also find additional strategies to make the most of your exam prep on our blog. 

If you need more guidance on studying, reach out. Our tutors are experts in their fields and ready to help you secure those 5s!