Impending Significant Change in AP Tests

mathinokc
Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:57:38 +0000

I think the big advantage of the AP tests over the SAT IIs is that the SAT IIs are too short and are all multiple choice. The AP tests require free response sections and are longer tests.

I think one of the main reasons that there’s really only one AP testing period (yes, I know about the makeup period) is that they get all the readers together from across the country and score the free response sections together.

They essentially only come up with 3 versions of each AP exam each year (US during normal testing period, International during testing period, and makeup period). To do the testing on Saturdays and give the students an option each time on what test to take would require writing far more questions, which would complicate the grading somewhat.

My daughter’s high school doesn’t come to a standstill during the AP testing period. The tests are held off campus so that they have space that is not disrupted by bells, announcements, and passing periods. Students are only excused for the part of the day when they have a test.