By: Kelley Sussman
Every year, numerous students register to take Advanced Placement Exams run by the College Board. These exams are often expensive, especially for students taking multiple exams. The price for the exam should be eliminated in the state of California, as it is in other states, so more students have the opportunity to take the exams without depending on a fee waiver.
AP exams exams allow for students earn credit in the subjects that they take exams for. All students who are enrolled in AP classes are given the opportunity to take the corresponding AP exam in May, but must pay a fee. In the state of California, schools are allowed to set the amount they charge for each exam. However, in the state of Kansas all students who are enrolled in the same AP class get to take that exam for free.
At many schools in California, the price to take any AP test is expensive. At Costa, the price is 99 dollars, at Redondo Union, the price is 105 dollars, and at Palos Verdes the price is 100 dollars except for AP Seminar and AP Research which are 142 dollars each.
Pricing for the AP test should be free at all locations, otherwise it is not fair to students who are paying more just because they go to a different school. California should follow the policy put into place by public schools in Kansas, as it is unfair to students who cannot afford the exam.
Many competitive colleges recommend that students take the AP exams and send their scores from AP Exams to demonstrate mastery in that course.This also allows some students to receive college credit, which means students get the credit equivalent for taking a college class.
The AP Exam allows for colleges to see how well students did in the class, and it is unfair for students who are unable to take the exam because of the price. This issue would be resolved by making the price free in the state of California
In addition, depending on the school and the students score, the AP test can give students an opportunity for college credit, However, if students take an AP course but cannot afford exam, they will not receive college credit. Having college credit and showing mastery in certain subjects is very important for colleges to see. Students shouldn’t have to worry about paying for the exam, they should be worrying about their scores instead.
The AP exam is a chance to help students to help their academic career. The expensive pricing set by the schools should not impact student academic performance. If all exam prices were free, students would not have to worry about being able to afford an academic career and instead focus on scoring the best they can.
There is a $32 fee reduction in place to help students with financial need afford the exam. However, the process to achieve this waiver is extensive and not many people are aware of the fee reduction program. Also, the College Board recently changed the criteria for eligibility for fee reduction for the 2019-2020 school year, so many families are unaware of this waiver. This new change differs the criteria for eligibility depending on the area in which students livetbe school district. Even though this process is in place to help financially disadvantaged students, it does not make it fair for every student taking the AP exam.
Schools in California should take into consideration lowering the AP exam price or even eliminating the cost. Students should not have to pay a higher price because they attend a certain school. Advanced placement courses are very helpful for students applying to college. At all schools, the price for the exam should be eliminated so students are able to focus on their score rather than deciding if they have enough money for it.
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