With COVID-19 causing school closures and disrupting traditionally intensive advanced placement curriculums, The College Board has been forced to explore new methods of administering the AP tests this year. In order to combat any fear and uncertainty during these unusual times, the Board is attempting to provide as much clear and comprehensive information as possible for students, teachers, and parents.

The conventional AP tests, typically lasting two to three hours and being strictly monitored, have been procedurally transformed into a new form of exam that can be taken from the sanctity of individual students’ homes. Normally, the AP exams would consist of a years-long range of material and typically have both a multiple choice and a free response section. The 2020 tests, however, are guaranteed to not be based on the 25% of content that is traditionally learned in the last quarter of the school year, to have no multiple choice, and to consist only of a shortened 45 minute free response section.

Taking the exams off of paper, the 2020 tests will be online with students being able to take them on almost any internet capable device, including their smartphones. Students taking the exams should check on The College Board website to find out the specific details of their free response sections as the number and style of questions provided will vary from test to test. In a general overview, however, the exams will allot students a question and request that either an answer be typed in a provided box or written on a separate sheet of paper. After the time for each question passes, a five minute time period will be given to allow students to either upload a typed response or submit a picture of  written work.

Unprecedentedly, the notoriously strictly secured tests will be open book exams. For students, however, it is important to understand that this will mean exams will be less based on specific textbook content and more heavily on demonstrating a deep and complex understanding of the subject. In order to protect the security of the AP exams, The College Board is utilizing systems of plagiarism detection and identity verification techniques. While The Board has hinted that they aren’t disclosing all of their techniques of ensuring a fair and valid test, their website does contain more information about specific exam security measures.

One detail about the exams that is staying constant is the scoring. Students will receive a score ranging from one to five as usual and will gain access to these scores in the traditional early July timeframe. Responding to widespread support from colleges and universities about the 2020 modified AP exam, The College Board has expressed that most to all post-secondary institutions will accept these scores for college credit.

In addition to its wide range of provided information, The College Board has created methods to help students and teachers prepare for the AP exams. One resource they have freely provided is a series of reviews for AP classes that are being led by a variety of teachers from around the country. The Board has also made it a mission to ensure that any students lacking the necessary technology or internet are able to have equal access to the exams. If any require assistance in this area, they are encouraged to reach out to The Board through this survey. A variety of tips to help students prepare for this unusual exam can be found here, but the best tips are those that have always existed: study hard, remain confident, and enjoy the marvelous opportunity to demonstrate your extraordinary ability.