UHS will transition all Advanced Placement exams to an online format this year, marking a significant change in the school’s standardized testing procedures. In preparation for the shift, teachers and administrators are working to ensure a smooth transition by providing students with the necessary resources and practice opportunities for the change.
Students have expressed a range of reactions to the upcoming format change, with many viewing the online exams as a potential improvement. Some believe the digital format may streamline the testing process and reduce the stress often associated with traditional paper-based exams.
“With the AP exams moving to an online format, I feel like test taking will definitely move faster and go easier without tons and tons of paper sitting in front of me,” sophomore Avni Peddha said. “I think an online format will go by faster and be less overwhelming.”
While many students recognize the potential benefits of transitioning to online exams, they are also aware of the possible challenges associated with it. Some believe the digital format could enhance efficiency. However, others have raised concerns about how it might affect writing performance, particularly in timed sections where students could become stuck or distracted.
“Students may struggle with completing their essays [online] because they may continue to go back and edit certain portions rather than moving on decisively,” senior Sophia Weinberg said.
Students have expressed differing opinions on how the change may affect the difficulty of the exams. While some believe the new format could alter the testing experience and potentially make it more challenging, others feel it will have little to no impact on overall difficulty.
“I don’t think the online testing will impact the difficulty,” Peddha said. “I think it’s just done for better efficiency, not changing the actual level of the test.”
Students are expressing their mixed opinions on the change. Some are worried about how it might affect their testing strategies and maintaining focus during the exam.
“I think taking the test online will impact my ability to focus negatively,” Weinberg said. “ I have been practicing with paper exams, so it may be hard to factor out the wrong answers on MCQs if I am unable to annotate and cross out parts of the question.”
As UHS prepares for the transition, both students and staff are continuing to adapt to the evolving expectations of standardized testing. While the shift to digital exams introduces a new set of challenges, it also reflects a movement toward technology integration in education. In the long term, the experience may help students become more comfortable with online assessments, a medium that is getting increasingly popular in academic settings.
