AP Exams & Scheduling

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid who is taking their 11th and 12th APs as a senior this week (but also had a 4 hour long varsity sport state semifinals game last night and 2 hour practices on all other days, including on Saturday), I have so much empathy for all of you parents. Wish this kid could get some sleep already!

I was surprised to hear from a parent of a kid at Hotchkiss boarding school that their kid took zero APs. Not even one. It made me actually wonder whether I should have sent my kid to boarding school or another private school where APs are not common and lots of kids end up at the same colleges as a public school kid like mine who felt compelled to take so many of these long tests.

As the parent of a private school kid who is not taking any APs I strongly agree. It makes the cost almost worthwhile. If the school doesn't offer it, you don't have to take it to be "most rigorous."

If your kid is a senior, why do they care so much? They are into college. Worst case they do badly on the test. So what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid who is taking their 11th and 12th APs as a senior this week (but also had a 4 hour long varsity sport state semifinals game last night and 2 hour practices on all other days, including on Saturday), I have so much empathy for all of you parents. Wish this kid could get some sleep already!

I was surprised to hear from a parent of a kid at Hotchkiss boarding school that their kid took zero APs. Not even one. It made me actually wonder whether I should have sent my kid to boarding school or another private school where APs are not common and lots of kids end up at the same colleges as a public school kid like mine who felt compelled to take so many of these long tests.

As the parent of a private school kid who is not taking any APs I strongly agree. It makes the cost almost worthwhile. If the school doesn't offer it, you don't have to take it to be "most rigorous."

If your kid is a senior, why do they care so much? They are into college. Worst case they do badly on the test. So what?

Another private school parent who agrees. My kid is having plenty of rigor and doesn't have to prove himself. Makes life much less stressful. I roll my eyes at these parents of kids who take 15+ APs. Sounds miserable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid who is taking their 11th and 12th APs as a senior this week (but also had a 4 hour long varsity sport state semifinals game last night and 2 hour practices on all other days, including on Saturday), I have so much empathy for all of you parents. Wish this kid could get some sleep already!

I was surprised to hear from a parent of a kid at Hotchkiss boarding school that their kid took zero APs. Not even one. It made me actually wonder whether I should have sent my kid to boarding school or another private school where APs are not common and lots of kids end up at the same colleges as a public school kid like mine who felt compelled to take so many of these long tests.

As the parent of a private school kid who is not taking any APs I strongly agree. It makes the cost almost worthwhile. If the school doesn't offer it, you don't have to take it to be "most rigorous."

If your kid is a senior, why do they care so much? They are into college. Worst case they do badly on the test. So what?

PP here. They're already admitted, but they are going to a college where actual credit is given for a 4 or 5 (depends on the subject) and they can take an easier courseload if they have that credit. Kid is pre-med so having an easier courseload during orgo or to do volunteer work or whatever would indeed be helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid who is taking their 11th and 12th APs as a senior this week (but also had a 4 hour long varsity sport state semifinals game last night and 2 hour practices on all other days, including on Saturday), I have so much empathy for all of you parents. Wish this kid could get some sleep already!

I was surprised to hear from a parent of a kid at Hotchkiss boarding school that their kid took zero APs. Not even one. It made me actually wonder whether I should have sent my kid to boarding school or another private school where APs are not common and lots of kids end up at the same colleges as a public school kid like mine who felt compelled to take so many of these long tests.

As the parent of a private school kid who is not taking any APs I strongly agree. It makes the cost almost worthwhile. If the school doesn't offer it, you don't have to take it to be "most rigorous."

If your kid is a senior, why do they care so much? They are into college. Worst case they do badly on the test. So what?

Another private school parent who agrees. My kid is having plenty of rigor and doesn't have to prove himself. Makes life much less stressful. I roll my eyes at these parents of kids who take 15+ APs. Sounds miserable.

DP here: Private day school? Are any kids self-studying to take APs on their own time? I heard that this happens sometimes when APs are not offered by the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid who is taking their 11th and 12th APs as a senior this week (but also had a 4 hour long varsity sport state semifinals game last night and 2 hour practices on all other days, including on Saturday), I have so much empathy for all of you parents. Wish this kid could get some sleep already!

I was surprised to hear from a parent of a kid at Hotchkiss boarding school that their kid took zero APs. Not even one. It made me actually wonder whether I should have sent my kid to boarding school or another private school where APs are not common and lots of kids end up at the same colleges as a public school kid like mine who felt compelled to take so many of these long tests.

As the parent of a private school kid who is not taking any APs I strongly agree. It makes the cost almost worthwhile. If the school doesn't offer it, you don't have to take it to be "most rigorous."

If your kid is a senior, why do they care so much? They are into college. Worst case they do badly on the test. So what?

+1 at school that doesn't have AP classes (although does act as a testing center for kids who want to take them). They're not taking any, and we know of multiple kids who did the same and are at T10s/T20s (unhooked). These tests don't carry the weight they used to in the 80s/90s.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Just wanted to say that my child is also at a private school and taking AP classes. So this isn't really a private versus public school conversation -- no need for eye-rolling.

And, yes, AP courses are offered at some private schools -- and I've discovered that sufficient support for taking those APs is lacking at my child's private school.

I also recognize that public school kids may have more options -- APs, IBs, or college classes in addition to 'normal' or 'honors' classes at various levels of rigor depending on the students' school, interests, and ambitions.

The whole point of is that AP exams are NOT supposed to be miserable -- they are supposed to provide an opportunity to demonstrate achievement.

So, hopefully, we can identify potential issues and help our kids get the right support during the AP exam period and help these kids achieve what they intended to when they took the class and signed up for the test. That's the goal.

[Anonymous]

All of the schools that trip over themselves to offer countless AP classes are just hurting their students. Because the current trend in admissions is "max rigor" so students feel compelled to take too many APs to achieve that. So they are stressed, exhausted, etc. No, your snowflake is not "being challenged" or "bored if they are not doing this" or whatever else. For generations numerous brilliant kids did perfectly fine without taking 15+ APs. They found ways to avoid being bored. Go climb a tree or ride a bike or get a job at McDonald's - learning how to make change when the line is 14 people deep and people want their food is a also a very important life skill.

If anything, schools should cap the number of APs that a student can take in a year. Protect them from themselves. Perhaps 4 per year as a junior and senior. Maybe 1-2 as a sophomore (though call me old fashioned - in the old days no one took them as a sophomore and we weren't stupid).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All of the schools that trip over themselves to offer countless AP classes are just hurting their students. Because the current trend in admissions is "max rigor" so students feel compelled to take too many APs to achieve that. So they are stressed, exhausted, etc. No, your snowflake is not "being challenged" or "bored if they are not doing this" or whatever else. For generations numerous brilliant kids did perfectly fine without taking 15+ APs. They found ways to avoid being bored. Go climb a tree or ride a bike or get a job at McDonald's - learning how to make change when the line is 14 people deep and people want their food is a also a very important life skill.

If anything, schools should cap the number of APs that a student can take in a year. Protect them from themselves. Perhaps 4 per year as a junior and senior. Maybe 1-2 as a sophomore (though call me old fashioned - in the old days no one took them as a sophomore and we weren't stupid).

Agree it would be great if the schools limited how many you can take. My FCPS 10th grader is taking 4, is signed up for 5 next year, and planning for 6 senior year. Private school parents with no APs can roll their eyes all they want but my kid needs to do this to be competitive at many of the top schools from his HS. It is possible to take more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All of the schools that trip over themselves to offer countless AP classes are just hurting their students. Because the current trend in admissions is "max rigor" so students feel compelled to take too many APs to achieve that. So they are stressed, exhausted, etc. No, your snowflake is not "being challenged" or "bored if they are not doing this" or whatever else. For generations numerous brilliant kids did perfectly fine without taking 15+ APs. They found ways to avoid being bored. Go climb a tree or ride a bike or get a job at McDonald's - learning how to make change when the line is 14 people deep and people want their food is a also a very important life skill.

If anything, schools should cap the number of APs that a student can take in a year. Protect them from themselves. Perhaps 4 per year as a junior and senior. Maybe 1-2 as a sophomore (though call me old fashioned - in the old days no one took them as a sophomore and we weren't stupid).

In the old days, the most advanced kids started college at age 15 or 16. Now, with access to APs and more challenging coursework, they can remain with their age peers in high school while still having some level of challenge. The kids who aren't ready don't need to take the APs so early. It's a win-win situation.

I'm not sure that colleges even care beyond 6 or so APs, providing that the APs are covering all of the core subjects. Kids who are stressed and exhausted can choose the course load that most suits them. There's no need to take options away from other kids, just because some are making poor choices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of the schools that trip over themselves to offer countless AP classes are just hurting their students. Because the current trend in admissions is "max rigor" so students feel compelled to take too many APs to achieve that. So they are stressed, exhausted, etc. No, your snowflake is not "being challenged" or "bored if they are not doing this" or whatever else. For generations numerous brilliant kids did perfectly fine without taking 15+ APs. They found ways to avoid being bored. Go climb a tree or ride a bike or get a job at McDonald's - learning how to make change when the line is 14 people deep and people want their food is a also a very important life skill.

If anything, schools should cap the number of APs that a student can take in a year. Protect them from themselves. Perhaps 4 per year as a junior and senior. Maybe 1-2 as a sophomore (though call me old fashioned - in the old days no one took them as a sophomore and we weren't stupid).

In the old days, the most advanced kids started college at age 15 or 16. Now, with access to APs and more challenging coursework, they can remain with their age peers in high school while still having some level of challenge. The kids who aren't ready don't need to take the APs so early. It's a win-win situation.

I'm not sure that colleges even care beyond 6 or so APs, providing that the APs are covering all of the core subjects. Kids who are stressed and exhausted can choose the course load that most suits them. There's no need to take options away from other kids, just because some are making poor choices.

Nope. I know some off the charts smart people in their 40s and 50s. You feel the intellect when you walk into the room. Mainly STEM types, generally either currently or previously academics. Several had parents who were off the chart smart academics. Others weren't. You might think your kid is this bright. They probably aren't. These people went to very good public schools, but not magnet schools and graduated when they were 17/18 like normal people. They did not start taking APs until junior year. They might have taken 3-4 APs each junior and senior year. It did not slow them down. They were not "bored." They have gone on to do great things. Just chill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of the schools that trip over themselves to offer countless AP classes are just hurting their students. Because the current trend in admissions is "max rigor" so students feel compelled to take too many APs to achieve that. So they are stressed, exhausted, etc. No, your snowflake is not "being challenged" or "bored if they are not doing this" or whatever else. For generations numerous brilliant kids did perfectly fine without taking 15+ APs. They found ways to avoid being bored. Go climb a tree or ride a bike or get a job at McDonald's - learning how to make change when the line is 14 people deep and people want their food is a also a very important life skill.

If anything, schools should cap the number of APs that a student can take in a year. Protect them from themselves. Perhaps 4 per year as a junior and senior. Maybe 1-2 as a sophomore (though call me old fashioned - in the old days no one took them as a sophomore and we weren't stupid).

In the old days, the most advanced kids started college at age 15 or 16. Now, with access to APs and more challenging coursework, they can remain with their age peers in high school while still having some level of challenge. The kids who aren't ready don't need to take the APs so early. It's a win-win situation.

I'm not sure that colleges even care beyond 6 or so APs, providing that the APs are covering all of the core subjects. Kids who are stressed and exhausted can choose the course load that most suits them. There's no need to take options away from other kids, just because some are making poor choices.

Nope. I know some off the charts smart people in their 40s and 50s. You feel the intellect when you walk into the room. Mainly STEM types, generally either currently or previously academics. Several had parents who were off the chart smart academics. Others weren't. You might think your kid is this bright. They probably aren't. These people went to very good public schools, but not magnet schools and graduated when they were 17/18 like normal people. They did not start taking APs until junior year. They might have taken 3-4 APs each junior and senior year. It did not slow them down. They were not "bored." They have gone on to do great things. Just chill.

Nonetheless, my kid is completely unstressed and thriving with a heavy AP load. It's great that kids have a full array of options! Someone else's AP load doesn't in any way affect your child, so there's no reason for you to try to restrict that other child's options. A kid with 6 APs will likely have the same college admissions outcome as one with 16. Relax.

[Anonymous]

My kid took 2 exams in one day and another one the following morning. There was no thought or need to reschedule. Students were given 25 minutes between the morning and afternoon exams for lunch and bathroom break.

I understand the accommodations for kids who qualify. But for most kids, 2 exams in one day is fine and manageable. For reference, my college freshman just took 2 finals in one day and there was no option to reschedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid who is taking their 11th and 12th APs as a senior this week (but also had a 4 hour long varsity sport state semifinals game last night and 2 hour practices on all other days, including on Saturday), I have so much empathy for all of you parents. Wish this kid could get some sleep already!

I was surprised to hear from a parent of a kid at Hotchkiss boarding school that their kid took zero APs. Not even one. It made me actually wonder whether I should have sent my kid to boarding school or another private school where APs are not common and lots of kids end up at the same colleges as a public school kid like mine who felt compelled to take so many of these long tests.

As the parent of a private school kid who is not taking any APs I strongly agree. It makes the cost almost worthwhile. If the school doesn't offer it, you don't have to take it to be "most rigorous."

If your kid is a senior, why do they care so much? They are into college. Worst case they do badly on the test. So what?

Another private school parent who agrees. My kid is having plenty of rigor and doesn't have to prove himself. Makes life much less stressful. I roll my eyes at these parents of kids who take 15+ APs. Sounds miserable.

Ok.. do you lack self awareness? Most kids don’t go to a rigorous private school. Their only option for higher rigor is to take AP classes. At our high school you can’t even elect to dual enroll unless you’ve already taken the AP classes offered by the HS in that subject

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a question about how different high schools support students taking AP Exams -- I'm trying to gather real examples of schools that handle testing well and understand how other students handle the pressures that exist during AP testing weeks to help make things better for next year and future students.

For example, my DC took the AP US History Exam Friday morning (3 hours 15 min) which started after 8:30 am due to proctor seating kids very slowly. Test ended at 12:08 pm, kids got released at 12:12 pm, DC was seated for her next exam at 12:15 pm and started it at 12:30 pm. Obviously, no break for lunch or bathroom after getting up at 6 am and eating breakfast before 7 am. DC was not the only student taking both tests that day with this timeline. I've reached out to the AP Coordinator for some explanation and received no response.

It seems at our high school, students who have two different exams scheduled for one day are required to take both exams. I've heard that other schools automatically allow students to reschedule one of the exams on a makeup day. Is that true at your school or school system? If so which one.

I've also been reading that College Board policy acknowledges that a 3 hour and 15 min exam can be over 4 hours in duration with instruction and breaks -- and says it's up to the AP Coordinator at the school to ensure that students get a mandatory 20 min break between tests (um -- does anyone else think 20 min is comically short and expecting schools to figure this out is bad design?). Has anyone had experience with this getting handled well? How? Does anyone think the break should be at least 40 min? Does anyone know why College Board doesn't address this issue with their scheduling, e.g. by scheduling the longer test in the later slot or starting the afternoon test at 1 pm instead of 12 noon?

Teachers at our high school have also continued to assign papers and tests during these two AP testing weeks. Is this normal? Are students expected to navigate the load themselves or does your school have policies in place to help with assignments and attendance for students who have multiple AP tests during these weeks?

Appreciate hearing about your DC experience.

Ok, Bea calm down. Students get to leave after 1st exam and are not required to attend classes after lunch. So that's ridonc that they are taking back to back exams on same day. The second exam on makeup date. Not all kids take the exams.

This was true for my older 3 kids, but not current kid. Kid is missing other classes, has class the other half of the day when not testing and has to complete assignments missed before or after school. And all of my kids have taken tests back to back- it is the nature of the schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a question about how different high schools support students taking AP Exams -- I'm trying to gather real examples of schools that handle testing well and understand how other students handle the pressures that exist during AP testing weeks to help make things better for next year and future students.

For example, my DC took the AP US History Exam Friday morning (3 hours 15 min) which started after 8:30 am due to proctor seating kids very slowly. Test ended at 12:08 pm, kids got released at 12:12 pm, DC was seated for her next exam at 12:15 pm and started it at 12:30 pm. Obviously, no break for lunch or bathroom after getting up at 6 am and eating breakfast before 7 am. DC was not the only student taking both tests that day with this timeline. I've reached out to the AP Coordinator for some explanation and received no response.

It seems at our high school, students who have two different exams scheduled for one day are required to take both exams. I've heard that other schools automatically allow students to reschedule one of the exams on a makeup day. Is that true at your school or school system? If so which one.

I've also been reading that College Board policy acknowledges that a 3 hour and 15 min exam can be over 4 hours in duration with instruction and breaks -- and says it's up to the AP Coordinator at the school to ensure that students get a mandatory 20 min break between tests (um -- does anyone else think 20 min is comically short and expecting schools to figure this out is bad design?). Has anyone had experience with this getting handled well? How? Does anyone think the break should be at least 40 min? Does anyone know why College Board doesn't address this issue with their scheduling, e.g. by scheduling the longer test in the later slot or starting the afternoon test at 1 pm instead of 12 noon?

Teachers at our high school have also continued to assign papers and tests during these two AP testing weeks. Is this normal? Are students expected to navigate the load themselves or does your school have policies in place to help with assignments and attendance for students who have multiple AP tests during these weeks?

Appreciate hearing about your DC experience.

Ok, Bea calm down. Students get to leave after 1st exam and are not required to attend classes after lunch. So that's ridonc that they are taking back to back exams on same day. The second exam on makeup date. Not all kids take the exams.

This was true for my older 3 kids, but not current kid. Kid is missing other classes, has class the other half of the day when not testing and has to complete assignments missed before or after school. And all of my kids have taken tests back to back- it is the nature of the schedule.

Same at our school