Starting this year, students who plan on taking the AP tests must sign a letter of intent stating that they understand the expectations in taking an AP course and will successfully complete the course and take the exam in May.
In previous years the students only had to pay a 13 dollar deposit per exam in October and then they would pay the rest of the 84 dollars overall cost in February. The 13 dollar fee is to pay the College Board for the tests for those students who end up not taking the exam. In February, students take time out of their first period to fill out the paper work needed to take the test.
The student expectation agreement that is now being implemented is an agreement between the students, parents, and school that they all understand what is required for the student to take the exam. This will also help the students understand and follow through with the requirements. Also for students who do not take the exam, it will show up on their transcripts that they failed to take the test.
The agreement has been added to the registration process as a way to be more organized. It gives the school an idea of the number of students taking the exam, the cost of buying all the tests, and to help those students who need financial aid. “We’re doing it a little earlier so we can track down the kids that haven’t made the first step,” said AP Modern World teacher Rene Lilly.
Other schools across the nation use this same process and even more complicated techniques. The College Board has many different options that schools can choose from in how to register for the tests. “Other schools require more of a deposit, like half of it…It is a little more work but I’m hoping in the long run it will be worth it,” said AP Coordinator Dolores Reyna.
In February, the registration process will be completed and students will be ready to take their exams in May. Taking these tests and receiving a 3 or higher can result in college credits, but failure to take them will be noted on a student’s college transcript. For some students, this will be the difference between a college acceptance and the dreaded rejection.
