The College Board released AP Exam schedule and format for streamlined May 2020 tests.
[UPDATE on our previous post “Big Changes to May 2020 AP Exams”]
Highlights from the College Board Update—
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Students registered for AP Exams will be automatically enrolled in the May 11-22 test dates.
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AP English Language & AP English Literature exams will be one 45-minute analysis essay.
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AP US History, AP World History, and AP European History exams will be one 45-minute 5-document DBQ essay.
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AP Calculus AB & BC, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP Environmental Sciences exams will be two FRQs (Question 1: 25 min. / Question 2: 15 min. split).
For each course, the College Board has outlined the specific FRQ(s) that the new test will be modeled after. View the full AP Exam Schedule & Format Breakdown for individual exams here: https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/educators/taking-the-exams/ap-exam-schedule
UC Schools & Testing-Optional Policies
[UPDATE on our previous post “Rumors Abound: ACT/SAT Testing-Optional Policies during COVID-19 crisis”]
Summary of Announcement: UC Schools, among several other universities this past week, temporarily adopted a testing-optional policy, which suspends the admissions requirement of submitting ACT or SAT scores for the Class of 2021.
Despite Testing-Optional Policies, ACT/SAT scores can still impact the success of your application. Read more here:
In light of recent changes, here are a few questions students, specifically sophomores and juniors, should consider:
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What are you currently doing during the COVID-19 quarantine period to demonstrate (on college applications) that you are still learning and growing? Use your time wisely. Be proactive. Think creatively. How can you best stay on top of your studies? How can you “volunteer” from your home? What online resources can you take advantage of to expand your knowledge? What can you create? What new hobbies could diversify your resume?
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What will differentiate you from other applicants with a similar GPA, socioeconomic status, and extracurricular activities? Even amidst widespread testing-optional policy changes, having high ACT or SAT scores is still going to be significant in setting you apart from other applicants.