A few days ago, we wrote about how the AP tests were up in the air. College Board hadn’t announced what the plan was yet for 2020 tests, so all that we could do was lay out the possibilities and the probabilities. On Friday, what we were expecting is, in fact, happening. In-school tests are all canceled, but students will be able to take a shortened 45-minute version of the AP test on a concentrated amount of content at home online.

Our biggest concerns with at-home testing were 1. Accessibility, and 2. Cheating. Based on the statement from College Board, it looks like they are taking both of these issues very seriously. Students will be able to take the test on a variety of devices, including by taking a photo of handwritten work. They are also working on anti-cheating systems that will ensure that every student who chooses to take an AP test (which is optional), is given a fair shot. 

In the end, the AP testing system for this year may actually make the AP a better measure of a student’s knowledge of material than sitting in a stuffy gym ever did. 

Looking beyond the AP, the decisions College Board is making for the AP tests could be predictive of what will happen with the SAT and the ACT this summer. College Board has already canceled May SAT test dates, and the ACT has rescheduled spring test-takers for June 13th or a later date. Still, it’s entirely possible that the social distancing required by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 will stretch well into summer, forcing the new testing dates to be rethought as well.

We don’t think that the SAT or ACT will be magically transformed into an at-home test. It’s not impossible, but we think it is very unlikely. What we do believe is more likely would be further rescheduling and even last-minute test dates that students who opt into them have days, not weeks, to plan for. 

Weathering this unpredictability requires persistence and patience. You won’t be able to cram for the test the same way you may have done when the test schedule was set in stone (which, for the record, we’ve never recommended). You’ll have to plan ahead and prepare as if you could be tested any day and be perfectly fine with it.

The hardest part about needing to stay prepared is maintaining your momentum. It’s much easier to study for something you can see on the calendar than for something that could move around on you any which way. We recommend setting aside a few hours each week for solo preparation — that means practice tests and studying. Then, consider setting a weekly study date with a friend over Skype, Facetime, or Zoom. Having an accountability buddy works for working out, and the same strategy can be hugely helpful in an academic, rather than an athletic environment. Go over questions that you’ve struggled with and talk through test-taking strategies. Succeeding on the SAT and ACT requires mental strength as well as academic acumen, so you should also share your frustrations.

Over the next few weeks, things will continue to shift and adjust to fit the health realities we are dealing with. This includes all parts of the college planning and admissions process. The best thing to do when things are so uncertain is to stay prepared. Study, stay connected with your community, and keep your eye on the prize.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, send us an email. We help students have positive college admissions experiences, even when things are unpredictable.