Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SDUHSD using this new system for AP Exams? And why is it different from other schools?
SDUHSD is incredibly proud to have been chosen by College Board to be part of a cohort of only 800 schools around the country to pilot this system and provide valuable feedback to College Board. This system has valuable resources that impact your AP class as well as the preparation for the optional AP exams. This pilot program's special deadlines only applies to the 800 schools in the pilot this year, but will be in all schools nationwide in 2019-2020. We'll be giving College Board LOTS of feedback about what works and doesn't work, please be patient with us and them!
SDUHSD is incredibly proud to have been chosen by College Board to be part of a cohort of only 800 schools around the country to pilot this system and provide valuable feedback to College Board. This system has valuable resources that impact your AP class as well as the preparation for the optional AP exams. This pilot program's special deadlines only applies to the 800 schools in the pilot this year, but will be in all schools nationwide in 2019-2020. We'll be giving College Board LOTS of feedback about what works and doesn't work, please be patient with us and them!
Why do I need to JOIN my AP Classes on myap.collegeboard.org? What's the benefit to me?
By JOINING the AP Classes on myap.collegeboard.org, students will be able to utilize resources that will support them in their actual AP Class as well as prepare for the optional AP Exam. Resources such as Khan Academy tutorials, homework that teachers assign, quizzes that teachers have available to students and more. And all these resources have been vetted by College Board and in many cases, are actually pulled from the College Board's secure AP Exam question banks!
In addition, if you JOIN the AP class AND decide to take the AP Exam, you will not have to bubble in by hand your personal information on the physical exam materials. It will be pre-printed and personalized for you ahead of time. This will lead a shorter test day experience and to less issues accessing scores in July. It will also provide more accurate transfer of score reports to colleges and universities. (Reminder that for the actual order to be completed, payment for your exam(s) must be submitted.)
By JOINING the AP Classes on myap.collegeboard.org, students will be able to utilize resources that will support them in their actual AP Class as well as prepare for the optional AP Exam. Resources such as Khan Academy tutorials, homework that teachers assign, quizzes that teachers have available to students and more. And all these resources have been vetted by College Board and in many cases, are actually pulled from the College Board's secure AP Exam question banks!
In addition, if you JOIN the AP class AND decide to take the AP Exam, you will not have to bubble in by hand your personal information on the physical exam materials. It will be pre-printed and personalized for you ahead of time. This will lead a shorter test day experience and to less issues accessing scores in July. It will also provide more accurate transfer of score reports to colleges and universities. (Reminder that for the actual order to be completed, payment for your exam(s) must be submitted.)
What if I can't log into my College Board account?
Don't create a second account! Each student should have only ONE College Board account during their high school careers which houses AP, PSAT and SAT scores and information. For log in help visit: https://pages.collegeboard.org/account-help or https://myap.collegeboard.org Students may also call College Board AP Services for Students: 844-314-3632
Don't create a second account! Each student should have only ONE College Board account during their high school careers which houses AP, PSAT and SAT scores and information. For log in help visit: https://pages.collegeboard.org/account-help or https://myap.collegeboard.org Students may also call College Board AP Services for Students: 844-314-3632
What if I want to use the online AP class to access things my teacher assigns as well as other resources to enable success in the school class, but I don't want to take the actual AP Exam in May?
Exams are an optional component of the AP classes in SDUSHD. To have the AP Exam materials actually ordered for you, you have to JOIN the class at myap.collegeboard.org AND submit payment here on this site. So if you do NOT want to take the AP Exam, simply do not complete step 2 (submitting payment) for the exam. If no payment is submitted by the deadline for that particular course, no exam will be ordered for you even if you HAVE joined the online course.
Exams are an optional component of the AP classes in SDUSHD. To have the AP Exam materials actually ordered for you, you have to JOIN the class at myap.collegeboard.org AND submit payment here on this site. So if you do NOT want to take the AP Exam, simply do not complete step 2 (submitting payment) for the exam. If no payment is submitted by the deadline for that particular course, no exam will be ordered for you even if you HAVE joined the online course.
What if I change teachers at school? Do I need to update my account on myap.collegeboard.org?
Yes - it's important to be in the right online AP class so you can access assignments, homework or quizzes. It's also important for the teachers at the end of the year since they will receive data and feedback only applicable to their own students.
To change your class and JOIN a new online AP class, you can:
Yes - it's important to be in the right online AP class so you can access assignments, homework or quizzes. It's also important for the teachers at the end of the year since they will receive data and feedback only applicable to their own students.
To change your class and JOIN a new online AP class, you can:
- ask your teacher to change your class period by having them log into myap.collegeboard.org (IF you have stayed with the same teacher)
- ask your previous teacher to remove you from the online version of the class by logging into myap.collegeboard.org and then obtain a new Join Code from your new teacher to complete the process
- email aptestservice@gmail.com to have your account updated on myap.collegeboard.org (include your name, name of your school, the title of the course, and the name and period of your NEW section.)
What if I changed my class period for my AP Class at school but stayed with the same teacher? Do I need to update my account on myap.collegeboard.org?
Yes - because as you know, sometimes there's variances in the work or questions teachers assign their different class periods. You want to be in the correct one!
To change your class and JOIN a new online AP class, you can:
Yes - because as you know, sometimes there's variances in the work or questions teachers assign their different class periods. You want to be in the correct one!
To change your class and JOIN a new online AP class, you can:
- ask your teacher to change your class period by having them log into myap.collegeboard.org (IF you have stayed with the same teacher)
- email aptestservice@gmail.com to have your account updated on myap.collegeboard.org (include your name, name of your school, the title of the course, and the name and period of your NEW section.)
I have been self-studying to take an exam and am not enrolled in the AP Class at school. How do I register for the exam?
To register for an exam for which you have been preparing independently, you will need to email aptestservice@gmail.com to request the exam. Exam requests for students not enrolled in the actual course in SDUSHD schools, will be reviewed and approved based on space availability, student grade level, and timeliness of the request.
If approved, a student will receive a JOIN CODE for an Exam Only section for that exam to be used on myap.collegeboard.org as well as payment instructions. The same deadlines apply as for enrolled AP Courses.
To register for an exam for which you have been preparing independently, you will need to email aptestservice@gmail.com to request the exam. Exam requests for students not enrolled in the actual course in SDUSHD schools, will be reviewed and approved based on space availability, student grade level, and timeliness of the request.
If approved, a student will receive a JOIN CODE for an Exam Only section for that exam to be used on myap.collegeboard.org as well as payment instructions. The same deadlines apply as for enrolled AP Courses.
Why is there a different deadline for Fall/Yearlong courses versus Spring courses?
Educational research also shows huge benefits to students if they make a strong commitment at the start of the course. College Board sets the deadlines so that a) you have enough time to meet your new teachers for the applicable classes (you wouldn't want to pay for an exam for an AP Class if you haven't at least seen the syllabus after all!) and b) so that there is enough time to prepare the personalized exam materials for shipment for the May exams.
Educational research also shows huge benefits to students if they make a strong commitment at the start of the course. College Board sets the deadlines so that a) you have enough time to meet your new teachers for the applicable classes (you wouldn't want to pay for an exam for an AP Class if you haven't at least seen the syllabus after all!) and b) so that there is enough time to prepare the personalized exam materials for shipment for the May exams.
I took AP Calculus AB in the Fall at SDA or CCA. I am now enrolled in AP Calculus BC at SDA or CCA. Which exam should I take? Can I take both?
AP Calculus is the only exam for which College Board does not allow concurrent administration in one calendar year (i.e. you can't take both AP Calc AB and BC exams in one year.) So, if you choose to take the AP Calculus exam, it's important to speak with your teachers regarding which exam is the best fit for you. Most students who take BOTH the AP Calculus AB and BC courses, end up taking the AP Calculus BC exam. So you may want to wait to submit payment for Calculus BC in the Spring payment period. If you need to change it from BC to AB, you can contact aptestservice@gmail.com through February 28 to request that the AP Coordinator change the Calculus exam type (without penalty.)
AP Calculus is the only exam for which College Board does not allow concurrent administration in one calendar year (i.e. you can't take both AP Calc AB and BC exams in one year.) So, if you choose to take the AP Calculus exam, it's important to speak with your teachers regarding which exam is the best fit for you. Most students who take BOTH the AP Calculus AB and BC courses, end up taking the AP Calculus BC exam. So you may want to wait to submit payment for Calculus BC in the Spring payment period. If you need to change it from BC to AB, you can contact aptestservice@gmail.com through February 28 to request that the AP Coordinator change the Calculus exam type (without penalty.)
Why do TP and SDA students need to join an "Exam Only" section through CCA?
Per College Board exam security regulations, physical exam materials cannot be combined for an administration in one location if they had been ordered by the school AP Coordinator in separate orders. In SDUHSD, we bring students from CCA, SDA and TP together at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for exams, therefore ONE single order needs to be placed by the SDUHSD AP Coordinator. In the new system, this means (for now!) that a student attending SDA or TP will need to follow the instructions in the Exam Only Join Codes email that they will receive AFTER payment has processed for their exam.
Per College Board exam security regulations, physical exam materials cannot be combined for an administration in one location if they had been ordered by the school AP Coordinator in separate orders. In SDUHSD, we bring students from CCA, SDA and TP together at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for exams, therefore ONE single order needs to be placed by the SDUHSD AP Coordinator. In the new system, this means (for now!) that a student attending SDA or TP will need to follow the instructions in the Exam Only Join Codes email that they will receive AFTER payment has processed for their exam.
I attend TP or SDA and I didn't receive the email with the 'Exam Only' JOIN CODE? What do I do?
Double check your parent's email inbox as well as your spam folder. If you are still unable to locate the email, please email aptestservice@gmail.com for assistance. Join Codes cannot be issued by phone, please send an email.
Double check your parent's email inbox as well as your spam folder. If you are still unable to locate the email, please email aptestservice@gmail.com for assistance. Join Codes cannot be issued by phone, please send an email.
I just moved to the district and am now enrolled in an SDUHSD school. But I missed the deadlines. What do I do?
Students who transfer into a school can still JOIN the online class on http://myap.collegeboard.org, please contact AP Test Services IMMEDIATELY at aptestservice@gmail.com for assistance and support. You will be provided a special TRANSFER JOIN code to be able to join the online class, and if you would like to take the exam also, you will be provided with payment instructions. (Deadlines apply.)
Students who transfer into a school can still JOIN the online class on http://myap.collegeboard.org, please contact AP Test Services IMMEDIATELY at aptestservice@gmail.com for assistance and support. You will be provided a special TRANSFER JOIN code to be able to join the online class, and if you would like to take the exam also, you will be provided with payment instructions. (Deadlines apply.)
My teacher isn't using the myap.collegeboard.org site for assignments or tests- will that be a problem if I am planning on taking the AP Exam?
No, the resources that College Board has created on that site are optional for teachers to use. If you are planning on taking the AP exam in may, make sure you have Joined the teacher section as well as submitted payment for your exam. SDA and TP students, make sure that you then took the last extra step and joined the "Exam Only" section as well that corresponds to the exams you paid for.
If you are NOT taking the AP exam in May, you do not need to take any action.
No, the resources that College Board has created on that site are optional for teachers to use. If you are planning on taking the AP exam in may, make sure you have Joined the teacher section as well as submitted payment for your exam. SDA and TP students, make sure that you then took the last extra step and joined the "Exam Only" section as well that corresponds to the exams you paid for.
If you are NOT taking the AP exam in May, you do not need to take any action.
I took AP Calculus AB in the Fall and registered for that exam, but now it's the Spring and I am enrolled in AP Calculus BC. Can I switch to the BC exam?
Yes, AP Calculus is the only exam for which College Board does not allow concurrent administration in one calendar year (i.e. you can't take both AP Calc AB and BC exams in one year.) So, if you choose to take the AP Calculus exam, it's important to speak with your teacher regarding which exam is the best fit for you to take. If you need to update your registration, contact aptestservice@gmail.com. Changes between the AP Calc exams can be made on your College Board order by the AP Coordinator through February 28 without penalty.
Yes, AP Calculus is the only exam for which College Board does not allow concurrent administration in one calendar year (i.e. you can't take both AP Calc AB and BC exams in one year.) So, if you choose to take the AP Calculus exam, it's important to speak with your teacher regarding which exam is the best fit for you to take. If you need to update your registration, contact aptestservice@gmail.com. Changes between the AP Calc exams can be made on your College Board order by the AP Coordinator through February 28 without penalty.
I've missed the deadline to submit payment for my AP Exam. Can I go on a waiting list?
No. Because all exam answer sheets will be personalized, there will be no possibility of waiting lists or standby since no blank materials will be available. It's therefore very important to meet the applicable deadlines for the exam subject you wish to take.
No. Because all exam answer sheets will be personalized, there will be no possibility of waiting lists or standby since no blank materials will be available. It's therefore very important to meet the applicable deadlines for the exam subject you wish to take.
I can't afford AP Exams but would really love a chance to take them. What are my options to pursue a reduction?
Check out the page titled Fee Reductions - there is an application process and deadlines that apply. But if you are found eligible, it does reduce the cost of the exams for you significantly. A complete application will include supporting documentation. If approved, you will receive a Fee Reduction Code to apply to the payment page on this site. If you submitted the application for Fall AP Exam payment, you will automatically remain approved for Spring AP Exam payment. You will receive a Spring Fee Reduction code via email.
Check out the page titled Fee Reductions - there is an application process and deadlines that apply. But if you are found eligible, it does reduce the cost of the exams for you significantly. A complete application will include supporting documentation. If approved, you will receive a Fee Reduction Code to apply to the payment page on this site. If you submitted the application for Fall AP Exam payment, you will automatically remain approved for Spring AP Exam payment. You will receive a Spring Fee Reduction code via email.
On my.ap@collegeboard.org site it shows that under Exam Decision that I am taking the exam, but I have not submitted payment and I do not want to take the test? What do I do?
Students' Exam Decisions will automatically be changed to 'NO' if there has been no payment submitted by the payment deadline.
Students' Exam Decisions will automatically be changed to 'NO' if there has been no payment submitted by the payment deadline.
Where do I get an admission ticket?
Students do not need admission tickets to enter the AP Exam testing facilities. However, each student does need a CURRENT picture id, such as a school ID or a driver's license. Without picture ID students will not be allowed to enter the room.
What may I bring with me to the exam room?
Students may not bring into the exam room any type of backpack or bag, including purses. No cell phones or electronic communication devices are allowed. No smartwatches are allowed. No highlighters are allowed. Students may bring bottled water in CLEAR plastic containers (no labels) and snacks for break or between exams in clear plastic bags. (See Test Site Regulations for more information.)
Students MUST bring a current picture ID, pencils, pens in blue or black ink, and a calculator if applicable.
Students may use a stopwatch but it may not have an alarm (even if on a watch) that sounds, and it may not be on a cell phone or Smartwatch.
Students MAY bring water and snacks in clear containers (transparent with no labels), and carried in plastic bags. These items may be left in designated areas outside the testing area (or inside the larger facilities at a storage space.) These items may not be accessed during testing, but can be accessed at the break between exams. Water bottles (clear with no labels), may be under your chair during testing. Cell phones, electronic devices or study materials in these bags will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action.
Students MUST bring a current picture ID, pencils, pens in blue or black ink, and a calculator if applicable.
Students may use a stopwatch but it may not have an alarm (even if on a watch) that sounds, and it may not be on a cell phone or Smartwatch.
Students MAY bring water and snacks in clear containers (transparent with no labels), and carried in plastic bags. These items may be left in designated areas outside the testing area (or inside the larger facilities at a storage space.) These items may not be accessed during testing, but can be accessed at the break between exams. Water bottles (clear with no labels), may be under your chair during testing. Cell phones, electronic devices or study materials in these bags will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action.
How do I figure out where my exam will be administered?
Information on testing locations are posted under "Exam Day Info" on this site and open the file posted there. Location information is listed based on the alphabetical order of the exams.
When do I need to report to the testing room?
For morning exams, students need to report to the testing room at 7:30am. For afternoon exams students need to report to the testing room at 11:45am. We encourage students to be on time for check in since there is identification information that must be completed before testing. Morning exams will begin at 8:00am and afternoon exams will begin at 12:15pm. For security reasons, students will not be admitted to the room once the exams have begun. No exceptions. Late arrivals who are not admitted to the room are considered 'no shows' and are not eligible for any refund.
How do I know when the exam is? How do I know how long the exam is?
Exam calendar is posted on the Calendar on this website. Exams are either Morning (AM) exams or Afternoon (PM) exams. On average, exams last 4 hours (this includes approximately 15 minutes of time spent on completing identifying information, etc.) This is calculated from the start of check in. Students should notify coaches, parents, etc. accordingly since no early dismissal is possible from the exam.
This same policy applies to students testing with extended time. Students with extended time do not have to use all the extended time provided to them, but they must use the regular allotted exam time and cannot leave before the standard time has passed.
This same policy applies to students testing with extended time. Students with extended time do not have to use all the extended time provided to them, but they must use the regular allotted exam time and cannot leave before the standard time has passed.
What if I get sick and can't make the exam?
There are provisions for students who become sick or injured during or right before testing. In case of such an emergency, please email aptestservice@gmail.com or call the emergency assistance line at 1-855-663-8348, ext 700 IMMEDIATELY. A doctor's note will be required. IMMEDIATE contact - if ill on the day of the scheduled exam - is crucial due to the deadlines involved in ordering make up materials.
I have a disability and need to receive accommodations on my AP Exam. What do I need to do?
Students who need to receive accommodations on their AP Exams must request approval from College Board through a one-time request process. The deadline to ensure review of your application by College Board before AP exams is February 15, 2019. Submit your application to your school's SSD Coordinator, or your case manager. For more information on testing locations, support, the College Board application, and more, click on Testing with Disabilities.
Students who need to receive accommodations on their AP Exams must request approval from College Board through a one-time request process. The deadline to ensure review of your application by College Board before AP exams is February 15, 2019. Submit your application to your school's SSD Coordinator, or your case manager. For more information on testing locations, support, the College Board application, and more, click on Testing with Disabilities.
Do I need to excuse my absence from school during the exam?
Your school will receive a copy of an attendance roster from the exam so you will automatically be excused for the class periods that are affected by the testing. You are not excused for the entire day. You must follow your school site's protocol for checking back in when returning to campus (i.e. checking in with Attendance to get a pass. You are responsible for all school work missed during your absence for AP Exams.
What if I have more than one exam scheduled for the same day and same time? What if I have two exams scheduled on the same day?
College Board makes provisions for students who would like to register to take two exams that are scheduled at the EXACT same time and date. Please email aptestservice@gmail.com immediately to get information on SDUHSD late testing locations and information. Unfortunately, you would not be eligible for late testing if you are taking two exams back to back (i.e. one in the morning and one in the afternoon).
What if I decide to not take an exam? Can I get a refund?
Students who order and pay for an exam but decide to cancel before the payment deadline for their school will receive a full refund. Students who order and pay for an exam but decide to cancel between the close of their payment period and February 28, will receive a partial refund. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 will be retained for cancellation requests submitted between the close of the payment period and February 28. No exchange or re-selling of tests. To cancel your exam, send an email to cancel@aptestservice.com and include your name, student ID number, school you attend, and name of the exam you want to cancel. Exams cancelled from February 28 onwards as well as no shows on exam day, are not eligible for any refund.
What if I finish the exam early? Can I leave early?
Per College Board's security regulations for exams, students may not leave the test until time is called and all examinees are excused together. If a student leaves without permission, their exam will be collected and submitted separately to Colleg Board. Their score will be cancelled and no refund will be possible. Exams are approximately 4 hours. Please be prepared for the duration of the exam.
This same policy applies to students testing with extended time. Students with extended time do not have to use all the extended time provided to them, but they must use the regular allotted exam time and cannot leave before the standard time has passed.
This same policy applies to students testing with extended time. Students with extended time do not have to use all the extended time provided to them, but they must use the regular allotted exam time and cannot leave before the standard time has passed.
Additional Questions? Please feel free to email aptestservice@gmail.com or call 1-855-663-8348.