Photo Credit: The Roaring Times

By Kristen Marshalian

     As COVID-19 continues to spread and affect everything in its path, questions regarding events that violate social distancing begin to arise.

     One of the most anticipated tests, Advanced Placement, or AP, exams are put in question. How will students take them? Is it going to be difficult? What is the exam going to be like?

     Usually, AP exams consist of dozens of multiple choice questions and a free-response section. However, since the exam is now open book and open note, there will be no multiple choice questions. Instead, there will be only free-response questions, which are deemed as the most difficult part of the traditional exam. 

     The exam will only last 45 minutes which is significantly shorter than its normal duration of three to four hours. The exam can be taken using any type of electronic device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The College Board is also providing Chromebooks and tablets to those who do not have access to proper technology to take the test. 

     Both students and teachers are being affected immensely by the new changes for the AP exams.

     “I think the College Board did the best it could considering all of the circumstances,” history teacher Edgar Stepanyan said. “I’m also happy to know that the student responses, not necessarily their scores on the exam, will be released at the end of May.”

     Though teachers are trying their best to deal with these changes, they are still keeping their positive attitude to encourage their students and prepare them for the exam.

     “While it’s disappointing to have prepared for one test all year only to get another, I completely understand where the College Board is coming from,” English teacher Kari Vargas said. “I’m prepared to work with my students to make sure they are ready.”

     Students are also trying to cope with these modifications, as they had been anticipating them for the whole year.

     “Considering the circumstances, I think the College Board made the right decision in shortening the length of the tests and offering us free resources; I personally feel prepared for the AP exams,” AP student Juliana Acevedo (‘21) said.

     Though everyone is still trying to get used to these changes, everyone is staying positive throughout it all and hoping for the best.