From May 5 to June 10, students sit Advanced Placement exams.聽
In addition to classrooms and the Learning Commons, some students take their exams at 47 Grove End Road or the Danubius Hotel. In previous years, AP exams were taken on paper, but this year, both paper and digital formats are offered. Students may also choose to opt-out of an exam, similarly to last school year when exams became optional.
After taking her first AP exam, Campbell Lazar (鈥�23) said overall, AP Computer Science A was a positive introduction to college-level courses.聽
鈥淚t was a great way to have a first AP and not have it feel too overwhelming, taking three or four at once,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat introduction I think is really helpful and will help me for next year.鈥�
Lazar said using paper and pencil was most effective for the Computer Science exam.聽
鈥淵ou’re not able to circle things online which really helps me plan out what I’m trying to write in code,鈥� she said.
Similarly, Ambrose Vannier (鈥�21), who is currently enrolled in five AP courses 鈥� AP European History, AP Calculus AB, AP Studio Art, AP Physics 2 and AP Computer Science A 鈥� said he prefers taking the exams on paper. Digital exams prohibit students from returning to the previous question once an answer has been submitted.
鈥淚 like to go back and check my answers at the end on ones I’m not sure about,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s really helpful to just skip questions when you don’t have that much time and then you can come back at the end.鈥�
On the other hand, Darren Morris, who takes AP Computer Science A and AP Physics 1, said he prefers the online format because it is scheduled later in the year which 鈥済ives you a lot more time to prepare.鈥�
Along with the introduction of different formats, AP exams have returned to lasting two to three hours, despite previously being changed to 45 minutes in the 2019-20 school year.
Morris said with the continuation of lockdown and distance learning, the College Board cut three units from the AP Physics 1 curriculum.
鈥淲e’ve had like a full week of just preparation in class, like studying and doing review that we wouldn’t have had before,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ormally we’d have content to cover up until the exam.鈥�
Although distance learning interrupted the school year, Morris said virtual classes did not hinder his experience in AP courses.
鈥淚 didn’t find that there was that much of a drawback because it just turned into a lot more time to study by yourself and work on stuff,鈥� he said.
Similarly, Vannier said the transition into lockdown did not impact his ability to complete classwork and prepare for exams.
鈥淲e transitioned to them pretty smoothly, and we were able to do all the work that we needed to do,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n some ways, Zoom and doing things online sometimes helped because we could do study groups at home.鈥�
However, Lazar said being at school in person since March 8 has made it easier for her to prepare for the exam.聽
鈥淏ecause school has been in person and not over distance learning, I’ve been able to see my teachers and do the prep that I felt necessary,鈥� she said.
After taking two of his exams, Vannier said he looks forward to being able to enjoy the final weeks of school without the additional academic pressure of APs.
鈥淥ne nice thing about doing the exams is the rest of the year is much more relaxed,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 get to relax and say goodbye to my friends and my teachers as well.鈥�
