AP tests are approaching in May, and this year, certain classes may opt for online formatting rather than the traditional paper tests. However, the possibility of this change would affect each AP student differently depending on their personal preferences and test taking strategies. Here are the thoughts of several Fountain Valley High School AP students on their preference between online or on-paper test formatting.
Photos by Elsa Ly.
“I’d want to take it on paper because, depending on the subject, usually I like to write notes out or stuff, or stuff to remember. So with a paper test, having something physical to write on and keep track of makes it easier to take a test and for the process,” junior Caleb Pham said.“I would probably prefer to take it on paper just because it’s easier for me to focus when I’m not on a computer or something like that,” sophomore Jaqueline Nguyen said.“I think it’s better for us to take it online because we’re in the comfort of our own homes and we don’t have the stress of the testing environment. Because last year I took it and it was kind of stressful waking up so early and being in that massive room with all those people,” junior Dat Nguyen said.
“[I would prefer to take the test] online because I type faster than I write, and I feel like I could get more thoughts out if I was typing rather than writing,” freshman Sophie Hsieh said.“I would prefer to take the AP test online, but I’ve only had experience with paper testing so I wouldn’t really know the difference,” senior Benjamin Pham said.“I think I’d prefer for my class to take it on paper this year because most of my other tests that I have in AP Human Geography have already been on paper, so having a big test like that be like every other one—it kind of helps me,” freshman Suri Le said.
“That depends—if it’s a math-based exam, like calculus or statistics, then I would prefer to take it on paper because that way it’s easier to have my scratch work correlate with my answers. But if it’s an English-based one or something where you have to do a lot of writing, then I would rather take it online,” senior Ian Bui said.“I would prefer online, just because on paper means you have to bubble in the Scantron, and I think that’s such a hassle. Also, when it’s on the computer, I feel like the proctoring of the exam goes much faster because the instructions are more straightforward. Whereas on the booklet, you have to fill in your name, your day, your address—all that stuff,” junior Phoebe Do said.
