There’s a measurable difference between the majority of AP® exam scores and class grades. Historically, AP class grades tend to be higher than exam scores. In recent years, this gap has noticeably widened. The causes behind this issue are complex and multifaceted. Most discussions focus on grade inflation, but some go as far as to suggest that teachers who feel guilty about giving low grades or feel pressured into giving higher grades are to blame. That’s just one of several misconceptions that don’t get to the heart of the matter. So, what really are the root causes of these AP discrepancies1? Teachers Are Too Lenient … Because They Have to Be In an education system influenced by external pressures — state funding,2 educator pay,3 and evaluations tied to student outcomes — AP teachers often feel compelled to award higher grades
Get ready! The 2025 AP exam season is bringing some big changes you and your AP students need to know about. The College Board® is fast-tracking its shift to the BluebookTM platform for all AP testing. This includes moving 16 AP exams — including AP Psychology, AP Literature, and AP English Language — to a fully digital format. Subjects such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics 1 will have a hybrid approach with digital questions and paper-based free-response question (FRQ) sections.1 Beyond the shift to digital testing, however, the College Board is also implementing major content and formatting updates to multiple exams. These updates will impact the way students engage with the material, how they are assessed, and the strategies educators use to prepare them. They are designed to enhance the clarity and focus of each course, ensuring
The concept of “equity” in education continues to be a hot-button topic across the United States. Educators understand the importance of the idea and know that striving for equity in everything from standardized testing to exam prep is an ongoing and evolving process. We sat down with three former and current educators who work with college admissions prep materials to talk about equitable learning opportunities, especially as they pertain to SAT® and ACT® prep. Meet Our Educators Stephanie Barron: Stephanie is a former teacher with over 10 years of experience at the secondary level. She left the classroom in 2023 but continues to work in the industry by connecting educators to UWorld’s test prep materials. Stephanie chose to continue her career at UWorld because it allows her to continue advocating for educators and students. Andrew Ellington: Andrew is a private
The College Board®’s 2024 recalibration of AP® exam scores for nine popular courses has drawn considerable interest among educators. These adjustments, rooted in the Evidence-Based Standard Setting (EBSS) process, maintain the integrity of AP scores by aligning them with consistent student performance data rather than fluctuating grading trends. Changes focus on ensuring that AP scores truly reflect students’ content mastery. Understanding the 2024 AP Score Recalibration Process The EBSS process is a robust method that draws on extensive data and input from a large pool of experts.1 Unlike traditional panels that typically include a small group of educators, the EBSS process leverages a much broader base, utilizing fine-grained student performance data to set more precise performance standards. One of the key strengths of EBSS is its ability to prevent the drift of AP scores over time. By anchoring performance standards
Decades of research show that students of color face systemic barriers that result in underrepresentation in Advanced Placement® (AP) courses. In fact, Black students make up 15% of the student population but only 9.5% of students enrolled in AP courses. AP automatic enrollment can address this issue by granting equal access to challenging academic opportunities. Educators can support this initiative by utilizing tools that provide the necessary support for all students to succeed. Let’s explore the benefits, challenges, and strategies that will open the door to advanced learning opportunities for all students. What Is AP Automatic Enrollment? AP automatic enrollment is a policy that automatically enrolls students in rigorous AP courses if they perform well in their prerequisite classes or on standardized tests. This approach aims to eliminate biases and ensure that all students with academic potential are given equal
Are your students’ AP® exam scores stagnant despite your best teaching efforts? You’re not alone. Many AP educators and administrators face similar challenges, but understanding the root causes can help you implement effective solutions. Here are five common reasons AP scores don’t improve and actionable solutions to address each issue. Reason #1: Lack of Quality Data Analyses The Problem: Without accurate and comprehensive data, it’s challenging to make informed decisions about your AP program. The data you need often involves multiple stakeholders, including counselors and AP coordinators, so gaining access to it isn’t always a simple process. Waiting for the College Board® to release test scores can delay your analysis, too. Additionally, sifting through this data to identify trends and areas for improvement requires dedicated time and resources, which can be scarce. This lack of actionable data hinders your ability
Explore AP® subject-specific films to relax and engage your students during AP exam week. Add context and depth to their learning journey!
Discover how to shift your SAT® prep to a digital format with 5 innovative strategies, ensuring students are ready for the NEW Digital SAT® Exam.
Explore the Digital SAT®’s key features, including format changes, adaptive testing, and scoring updates. Learn how UWorld supports student preparation.
Explore strategies and best practices for high school administrators to lead Digital SAT® prep, support teachers, and ensure student success.
