In May of 2023, for the first time ever, AP tests including AP United States History, AP Language and Composition, and AP Computer Science Principles were proctored online. Consequently, there were some differentiating opinions about the new testing format.

“I think that many of our examinations are headed to an all-digital format. In fact, the California Bar Examination is moving to an all-computer format as early as 2026,” Dr. Anderson, current APUSH teacher, wrote. “Personally, since I took all of my exams in the past in a pen and paper format, I would prefer that format to digital, but both formats have their advantages and disadvantages” 

The digital exam was meant to help students work more effectively by allowing them to type. With seven AP exams already being tested last school year, it’s expected to eventually have most AP exams digital. 

“I like digitally better because typing is faster than writing it out. I don’t like flipping through pages, it’s too overwhelming,” senior Georgia Tribe said.

The digital format allows students to go back and edit in an organized manner rather than crossing and writing in the margins with pens. However, with students all around the country taking the same test online, there are bound to be some technical glitches. Senior Charlize Ocon recalls her experience during her AP United States History exam earlier in May.

“Basically, I was using a Chromebook and I logged in and I got to the start button. I filled in all the info and did everything right. I had to take the test a few weeks later which really sucked and I got my score back later as well. I know that this happened to a few kids which was a little annoying,” she said.  

Even with all the technical difficulties, it seems that the overwhelming majority of students prefer the digital format. 

“Mr. Chevalier and I took a poll in our classes asking the APUSH students whether they favored digital or pen & paper exams.  Overwhelmingly, six sections of APUSH students preferred the digitally formatted exams,” Dr. Anderson wrote. “Moreover, most students had no problems with these exams. Therefore, to judge the effectiveness of the digital exams on just a few student issues would be unfair to the majority of the 190 APUSH students who had no problems with the format of the exam.” 

Some are concerned about the digital exam because students can not mark up the test with pens and pencils. Underlining and writing notes in the margin can be a very helpful tool for students especially when writing essays for AP United States History and AP English courses. The College Board recognized this disparity and countered it with online tools which allows students to still mark up their exams. 

“While students will not be able to write directly on their exams with a physical pen or pencil, there will still be tools on Bluebook that will allow students to cross out answer choices, highlight text, and create notes on their digital exams,” Morgan Downing, writer for The Spotlight, wrote. 

The overall consensus for students at OPHS preferred online digital AP exams. It seems that it was easier and more convenient and it seems the College Board is heading towards all exams being digital. Although there were a few drawbacks with technical difficulties, it can be said that digital AP exams are better than written exams.

“I definitely think the AP exams are better online and all the friends I’ve talked to have 100% agreed,” Tribe said.