Last year, this school’s students faced the challenge of taking AP exams at both the school and the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). This required students to arrange their own transportation to and from USG, adding an extra layer of stress during an already demanding time.
This year, however, all AP exams were administered exclusively at this school, accompanied by an abbreviated schedule that allowed students to miss classes. If they had an exam that day, the schedule gave students extra time to prepare for upcoming APs while having a lessened course load. Testing locations were dispersed across the second and third floors and designated areas were blocked off to non-test takers. Students who took exams were excused from class and weren’t required to attend classes later that day. These changes significantly impacted students’ testing experiences, leading to varied feedback.
Ryan Shin, a sophomore who took AP exams both years, noticed an improvement in the testing process this year. “I personally thought AP testing went a lot better this year, especially since the abbreviated schedule gave us more time to study and prepare for our exams while still having time for schoolwork,” Shin said.
However, Shin did miss the experience of testing at USG. “I do miss having tests at USG; it introduced a new environment different from school, making it feel more professional and official.”
Junior Aiden Post appreciated certain aspects of the new testing format, particularly the flexibility it offered. “What I enjoyed the most about AP testing was definitely doing the tests online. It was easier, and some tests had later start times, meaning I could sleep in,” Post said.
Post also pointed out some drawbacks. “Things I disliked included having to wake up earlier than before school started for some exams and other times they lacked necessary breaks. Also, sometimes students who roamed the halls were disruptive and I couldn’t concentrate.”
Shivani Jain, another junior, found the new system more fluid and less stressful. “The whole process was very efficient; everyone knew where to go, and since it was at Wootton (this school), students didn’t have to worry about getting lost or stressed out about transportation to USG,” Jain said.
Jain particularly appreciated the bell-less schedule during exams. “I also liked how the bells were held. It was very courteous and allowed us to focus more on our tests, and I felt more concentrated.”
Junior Rendon Yerman has taken seven APs since freshman year. He is an advocate for this year’s abbreviated schedule compared to the one at USG. “It’s nice to have extra time to study for the exams and to stay relaxed and focused without being stressed about classes/homework during exam time,” Yerman said.
However, this schedule wasn’t a seamless integration. “I would give transportation to our school earlier in the day because if you don’t have a parking spot or car it’s hard to get to your exam stress free,” Yerman said.
AP Psych teacher Amy Buckingham liked this new proctoring system compared to USG testing. “In school testing is much more convenient to me because I don’t have to go as far,” Buckingham said.
