28 AP Tests Are Going Digital On Bluebook
By Marcin Lee
Beginning this year in May, 28 of 40 AP tests will be going fully or partially digital via Bluebook, a new online testing platform from College Board. And at East Side, any students in: AP African American Studies, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, and Computer Science Principles will be taking the test fully digitally. Any student taking: AP Biology and AP Calculus AB will be taking partial digital tests with the written portions remaining on test-booklets.
Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement Program at College Board expressed the difficulties of having nationwide tests. He explained that the program felt that “Paper AP testing will continue to be vulnerable to theft and cheating.” Adding that, it would allow staff, students, and procters to take and administer tests online.
I spoke with some students and teachers at East Side, to get their opinions on College Board’s decision to switch to digital exams. Kim Kelly, teacher of East Side’s AP Literature class, told me it doesn't “Make a huge difference in AP Lit,” Emphasizing that the majority of the test is multiple choice. Adding that, students “write more” and are “ more thoughtful than in years past” on assignments and essays.
With AP tests quickly approaching, I asked some students how they felt about AP tests going digital. One student told me it would be, “Easier online” and “Writing would be easier while typing.” Students are used to typing their thoughts online, so even if essays may have to be typed, most students will be more comfortable typing than writing by hand. However, while most of the interviewees agree the multiple choice questions and writing will be easier, they are concerned how it might affect students ability to properly answer the questions.
Starting in 2024, the SAT was conducted on Bluebook, an online testing site. Many classmates expressed how they didn’t like the adaptive tests. Now, some students are wondering if the AP tests will be adaptive. Baya Ait, a senior, told me, “No I don’t like adaptive tests, it should be at the same level, it wouldn't be a good way to gauge people's level.” Even though the class of 2025 were told in advance the SAT would be adaptive, many came to realize that if you did well early, later questions would be so hard, especially the math portion would drag your score down. On account of this, many people believe that it’s simply unfair to give different questions to other students just because they're doing too well or too badly. And now, that same fear is a genuine concern for upcoming AP students.
While there are concerns about College Board’s decision to switch some tests to digital examination, most East Siders both teachers and students, don't feel it will affect the quality of their work significantly.