As the end of the semester becomes closer and closer, students are trying to catch up by turning in missing assignments and preparing for tests. For AP students, every assignment and test is preparation for the AP exam at the end of May. But nobody knows for sure what the exam is going to look like this year. Because of less time with their classes, teachers are finding new ways to teach the curriculum so students are ready no matter what the exams look like.

“Evidently, the College Board has stated that several colleges do not plan on accepting the AP credit if they drop any part of the curriculum this year,” said AP Physics teacher Paul Holder. “So, the College Board is under pressure from universities not to change the curriculum.”

So, for now, teachers have to get their students through the entire curriculum so they are prepared for a regular exam season. Some teachers are teaching in a way that prepares students for both a normal exam and for a modified version that places more emphasis on open-ended questions.

“I’m just making sure that I teach my students all of the content that the College Board says that you all need to know,” said AP Economics teacher Denise Franta. “I’m also working on doing more of the style of FRQ that the kids faced last spring. I’m trying to anticipate what they’re going to do and just plan for all occasions.”

For students, e-learning provides both benefits and drawbacks. Students have more time to complete their school work since many extracurriculars are postponed or not taking place at all. Students also have more flexibility when it comes to their workload due to the new schedule. However, adjusting to something completely new along with increased homework could place stress on some students.

“I know a lot of people have been struggling with e-learning and making a schedule for themselves,” said sophomore Izzy Ward. “I have a lot more time because I’m not rushing around to get to practices, and I’ve got a good schedule for myself.”

Regardless of the uncertainty, more than a million high school students take AP exams each year because of the benefits they provide.

“These tests allow for students to be able to essentially get credit for college-level courses,” said AP exam coordinator Adam DeCaluwe. “They don’t then have to take those courses at the university level.”