Jump to content

Menu

AP disaster


Recommended Posts

 I am practically in tears.

My oldest boys were signed up for the AP Eng Lit exam at our public high school.  The AP booklet says it starts at 8am. We were there by 7:40.  The SCHOOL starts all the paperwork at 7:15, apparently, and would not let my kids in because they were late for the paperwork.
 

:(  :(

 

It's my fault..... I should have STAYED for at least 30 mins to make sure all was ok.  One of the boys took an exam on Monday afternoon, and everything was fine.  AND they were explicitly told no cell phones, so the boys didn't call. Just went to the office. Were told nothing could be done. (Even though the test hadn't actually started at that point :((( )

 

It's also my fault bec. the school also included a page w/ what I thought was a reiteration of the CB directions & schedule. On that page, it did say they'd start at 7:15.

Ok. Now I am in tears. All that work. The possibility of a stellar AP score on their college app.  I am so sad

 

 

(ETA typo--exam started at 8 not noon!)

Edited by yvonne
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh no! I'm feeling near tears reading about it. I am so sorry! They make the AP testing process so incredibly difficult for homeschoolers, all around. Can they take a late test? Isn't that possible???

 

Big hugs to you! It is NOT your fault. If anything, it's the public schools so difficult for homeschoolers. Try and see if you can take it late!!!

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for the gentle words.

 

The public school says there is no way they can take the late exam bec. they did not have a medical emergency and bec there was not a facilities issue which prevented them from taking the exam.

I am so so sad. One of my boys just came in & gave me a long hug & told me it wasn't my fault. But it was. If I can't even get the time for an exam right, how can I possibly think I can do all the paperwork for their college applications. :( :(

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

 

Ask the school now for late testing. I'm so sorry the school was so rigid.

 

"Late testing: with fees*

 

A $45 fee will be charged for schools and students that have a choice between accepting the scheduled date and requesting an alternate date. The fee is used to partially defray costs of developing, scoring, and shipping these alternate exams. Here are some of those examples:

 

Academic contest/event

Athletic contest/event

Conflict with non-AP and non-IB exam

Family commitment

Ordering error

Other school event

School closing (local decision, non-emergency)" http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/ap_coordinators/exam_ordering_fees/232008.html

 

ETA:

If the school won't, try asking the private center my kids took their AP exams at since it is near your home. They charge more.

Edited by Arcadia
  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just emailed a local home school/independent learning center where my boys took the AP Latin exam last year to see if there's any way they could take the late exam.

 

Also going to email Maya to see if she thinks I should try to get them into an AP Lang Comp exam or just wait till next year. Oh, my. What a mess.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry.  Something always goes wrong for us at the local school--but it's always ended up okay.  There are so many threads to keep track of in the homeschool life that it is so easy for something to be missed.

 

I wish there was a way to take the APs that was easier for homeschoolers.  It is crazy that it is so hard.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 I am practically in tears.

My oldest boys were signed up for the AP Eng Lit exam at our public high school.  The AP booklet says it starts at noon. We were there by 7:40.  The SCHOOL starts all the paperwork at 7:15, apparently, and would not let my kids in because they were late for the paperwork.

 

:(  :(

 

It's my fault..... I should have STAYED for at least 30 mins to make sure all was ok.  One of the boys took an exam on Monday afternoon, and everything was fine.  AND they were explicitly told no cell phones, so the boys didn't call. Just went to the office. Were told nothing could be done. (Even though the test hadn't actually started at that point :((( )

 

It's also my fault bec. the school also included a page w/ what I thought was a reiteration of the CB directions & schedule. On that page, it did say they'd start at 7:15.

Ok. Now I am in tears. All that work. The possibility of a stellar AP score on their college app.  I am so sad

 

:grouphug: 

 

I think it was ridiculous that the school required your boys to arrive at 7:15 for a test that wasn't going to be administered until noon.  What were your boys supposed to do for those hours waiting for the actual exam to begin?

 

My public school has the kids fill out this paperwork weeks before the actual exams.  Completing the paperwork usually takes a grand total of 20 minutes max.  It is sickening that this school would not let your kids fill out the paperwork when they arrived.  It wasn't like they were late for the actual exam! 

 

This year, my son wasn't able to meet the scheduled time that the school had set for the kids to fill out the paperwork.  My public school's response was, "No problem.  He can come in whenever it is convenient for him within the next two weeks and fill it out with the guidance counselor." 

 

Clearly, the individual who prevented your boys from taking the AP exam today is in the wrong profession. I don't know how some of these people sleep at night. 

 

:grouphug:

 

  • Like 11
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, Yvonne. My heart has dropped down in my stomach for you, and I feel beads of sweat popping out on my forehead! I am so, so, so sorry. I know there is nothing I can say that will make you feel better, but please know that I will be praying and hoping that a positive solution is found. 

 

I was just having a conversation with my husband last night about how complex our lives have become. Not necessarily physically hard (but definitely long and tiring days). We wondered how much more complexity the human person can handle. This is a topic for another thread, I know, but your situation definitely reminds me of it. 

 

((((((Many Hugs))))))))), and please if there is anything I can help you with concerning that precious daughter of yours, let me know. I certainly don't want my course to be a source of any added stress for you all. :-)

Jetta

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

that stinks!!!

 

Can they take the CLEP so they can earn credit?

 

I'll have to look into that.  I was so wanting them to have the AP score for their college apps. They don't need credit, just solid verification of their ability. It doesn't seem like colleges regard CLEP the same way they do APs, but at least it would be something. Thank you for the idea

Link to comment
Share on other sites

that stinks!!!

 

Can they take the CLEP so they can earn credit?

This is what I was going to suggest as well. At least all would not be lost in that case.

 

Yvonne, don't be too hard on yourself. Mistakes happen, and your kids are going to learn valuable life skills by watching how you handle this disappointment and watching how you move forward from this point . Sometimes we have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and continue on with Plan B, kwim?

 

I'm sorry. This is such a blow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry.

 

You are obviously doing things right despite how you feel right now. The fact that your children feel worse for you than they do for themselves is a testament to that.

 

I hope it all works out. I'm quite certain that you have not ruined their futures by one mistake this morning.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll have to look into that. I was so wanting them to have the AP score for their college apps. They don't need credit, just solid verification of their ability. It doesn't seem like colleges regard CLEP the same way they do APs, but at least it would be something. Thank you for the idea

I think that their application essays will verify their writing abilities. I wouldn't stress out about that too much.

 

Fwiw, my Dd was accepted to URochester (ranked around 30) with zero APs or DE. She did have the calculus CLEP. :) Not taking the English APs will not make or break their applications. It will be OK.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good luck calling :grouphug:

 

Take the SAT literature in June? That counts for UC a-g.

 

I think it was ridiculous that the school required your boys to arrive at 7:15 for a test that wasn't going to be administered until noon. What were your boys supposed to do for those hours waiting for the actual exam to begin?

 

AP Literature starts at 8am unfortunately. The gatekeeper is being rigid.
  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry. 

 

It seems like there should be make-up dates available.  There would be many reasons why the main testing date might not work out.

 

Okay, I just checked their website, and it lists make-up dates.  It says that if you missed the first date because of an emergency, you don't have to pay the fee.  Otherwise, you need to pay the make-up fee of $45.  That makes me think you could do it.

 

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/ap_coordinators/exam_ordering_fees/232008.html

 

Here is the late-testing schedule:

 

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/dates_fees/232552.html

 

It seems like you'd just need to find a school that offers the make-up dates.  According to this, you need to find a school that allows outsiders to come in.  You can probably contact the AP office to find out where that might be possible in your area or your part of the state.

 

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/ap_coordinators/exam_ordering_fees/ordering_materials/232006.html

 

Good luck!

 

Edited by J-rap
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

:grouphug:

 

I think it was ridiculous that the school required your boys to arrive at 7:15 for a test that wasn't going to be administered until noon.  What were your boys supposed to do for those hours waiting for the actual exam to begin?

 

My public school has the kids fill out this paperwork weeks before the actual exams.  Completing the paperwork usually takes a grand total of 20 minutes max.  It is sickening that this school would not let your kids fill out the paperwork when they arrived.  It wasn't like they were late for the actual exam! 

 

This year, my son wasn't able to meet the scheduled time that the school had set for the kids to fill out the paperwork.  My public school's response was, "No problem.  He can come in whenever it is convenient for him within the next two weeks and fill it out with the guidance counselor." 

 

Clearly, the individual who prevented your boys from taking the AP exam today is in the wrong profession. I don't know how some of these people sleep at night. 

 

:grouphug:

 

 

You are truly, truly blessed to have a school that cares.

 

The guidance staff here hid behind "our hands are tied by the CB. There's just nothing we can do." But the CB doesn't regulate when paperwork has to be done.  They could have let the kids do the exam and finish the paperwork afterward.  They were there in plenty of time to do the actual exam. 

 

I did beg the guidance & office person to please cross off the 8am start time listed on the actual CB AP pack/booklet thing they hand out when kids register and write in their own, actual start time next year so people don't make the same mistake, esp the students who are not students at their school and who aren't in their school's communication loop.  But they said, "Even one of our own students arrived at 8 for an exam..." and they don't feel that it would make a difference.  HOW can any competent employee NOT want to improve how things are done?  I just don't get it. If I were the test person there, I'd go to the extra effort.

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh man!!! What a totally frustrating situation!!

 

I cannot understand how they're even allows to start paperwork 5 hours before the test. You said it started at noon? How can they do the paperwork at 7:15? This makes no sense.

 

My son's AP paperwork was done for the individual test, before the test. He arrived a little early but they didn't start the paperwork till just a few minutes before the test time ...

 

Something seems very wrong with this

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good luck calling :grouphug:

 

Take the SAT literature in June? That counts for UC a-g.

 

AP Literature starts at 8am unfortunately. The gatekeeper is being rigid.

 

But you know what?  My one son's Mon AP exam was supposed to start at noon, per the CB packet. The school, who is being so rigid about kids being there for the school's 7:15 paperwork filling out, and who said that their hands are tied bec the CB sets a hard start time for the exam, actually told the  students that they would start the Mon AP exam at 12:15 instead of noon. And that wasn't to start the exam itself, that was to start filling out the paperwork. My son said the exam did not start until a few minutes after 1:00.

 

So.... seems that they're not being rigid w/ the CB rules (which should be rigid) but w/ what their own paperwork rules are.  The kids were there in plenty of time to start the actual exam this am.

 

Thank you for mentioning the SAT Lit exam!!  The boys are actually planning to take that in Aug. & I had completely forgotten about that. (They have a nat'l debate tournament in June.)  Can't think straight right now.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You are truly, truly blessed to have a school that cares.

 

The guidance staff here hid behind "our hands are tied by the CB. There's just nothing we can do." But the CB doesn't regulate when paperwork has to be done.  They could have let the kids do the exam and finish the paperwork afterward.  They were there in plenty of time to do the actual exam. 

 

I did beg the guidance & office person to please cross off the 8am start time listed on the actual CB AP pack/booklet thing they hand out when kids register and write in their own, actual start time next year so people don't make the same mistake, esp the students who are not students at their school and who aren't in their school's communication loop.  But they said, "Even one of our own students arrived at 8 for an exam..." and they don't feel that it would make a difference.  HOW can any competent employee NOT want to improve how things are done?  I just don't get it. If I were the test person there, I'd go to the extra effort.

if anybody at the school had any compassion they would have let your student take the exam - you weren't actually late for the test start

 

maybe next year at this time - people can post these additional  AP rules as well

was that a school or CB imposed deadline?

 

Can you still get into a make-up date for this year?

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/dates_fees/232552.html

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You are truly, truly blessed to have a school that cares.

 

 

 

:iagree:

And every year I am reminded of this fact when I read the horror stories of other homeschoolers.  My public school even administers AP exams for my kids when no one at the public school is taking the test!  They don't even impose any type of proctoring fee.

 

My son was unable to take one of his scheduled exams his junior year.  I called the school to notify them of his absence.  A few weeks later I received a refund check from the CB - the guidance counselor had submitted the paperwork on my behalf.  I didn't even know that refunds were possible.

 

OP, I hope your sons are able to take the test on the make-up day.  I would also call the CB and see if they can put any pressure on this school to make that make-up happen.

 

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh man!!! What a totally frustrating situation!!

 

I cannot understand how they're even allows to start paperwork 5 hours before the test. You said it started at noon? How can they do the paperwork at 7:15? This makes no sense.

 

My son's AP paperwork was done for the individual test, before the test. He arrived a little early but they didn't start the paperwork till just a few minutes before the test time ...

 

Something seems very wrong with this

 

No, typo---  the exam was scheduled for 8 am, not noon. Not thinking clearly...

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

if anybody at the school had any compassion they would have let your student take the exam - you weren't actually late for the test start

 

maybe next year at this time - people can post these additional  AP rules as well

was that a school or CB imposed deadline?

 

Can you still get into a make-up date for this year?

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/dates_fees/232552.html

Looking into a make-up date...

 

I'm definitely going to post a heads-up to double check the testing site's start time (not just the official CB exam time) next year.

 

Yes, if anybody at the school had any compassion, they'd have made a little effort to at least check w/ the person giving the exam, maybe poke their head in and see if the students had started or if they were still filling out the forms, and let the boys take the exam if it had not yet started. 

 

I would have made the extra effort if that had been my job. I don't get employees who just.don't.care.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The SAT Subject Test in literature is a great idea.  At least it will give them a score in the subject.  

 

I can't tell if your boys are juniors this year or sophomores.  Is there a possibility they could take the exam next year, if not for putting on college applications, at least to have the credit for course validation purposes?

 

You may want to put a small mention of this in one of the documents you write as a counselor.  Something like, "The AP English Literature course was completed during the 2016-17 school year, but due to scheduling conflicts, the students were unable to take the 2017 AP exam.  Students intend to take the AP English Literature exam in 2018."  

 

ETA: This is a horrible situation and is just the sort of thing I dread happening.  I'm so sorry that it happened to you and your kids.

Edited by Sebastian (a lady)
  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, my goodness! I just heard back from a private test site! My sons can take the exam on the make-up date there! What a relief!!

Thank you, all, for your gentle words and reassurances. Thank you!

Yay!! So glad your sons can take the exam.

 

Can you use this as your primary site going forward? Seems like a much better place!

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, my goodness! I just heard back from a private test site! My sons can take the exam on the make-up date there! What a relief!!

If your children wants to take the AP Calculus there next year, register early. It was so popular this year that it was full before I could register for my oldest which was why we went to the other private site.

 

Good luck!

 

By the way the German bakery next door is famous.

 

I think that's a good idea, a private site, which I hope I can find here. We're going to take the AP Latin exam next year, north of Yvonne. I'm really nervous.

Southbound traffic isn't so bad in the mornings if you can't find a nearer test site. Northbound traffic is the traffic jam we suffer in the morning peak hours. Edited by Arcadia
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, my goodness!  I just heard back from a private test site!  My sons can take the exam on the make-up date there! What a relief!!

Thank you, all, for your gentle words and reassurances. Thank you! 

 

:hurray:  :hurray:  :hurray:

 

So relieved for you! I was feeling your pain and ready to cry myself!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just saw this and was going to make scathing remarks about the people who turned your kids away. Glad I scrolled down to see the good news. Yvonne, so so happy it worked out...

 

I do these things a lot... the blame myself part so I get it. But it was not your fault that they had some pretty odd rules (crazy actually, poor kids already have to wake up early with all that stress!). And kudos to your sons for comforting you. I am so touched that they did. You have good kids. You are an awesome, caring parent. I feel sorry for the people who let power get to their heads so much that they have to be unkind to prove themselves. Something definitely fishy there.

 

And how lovely that there really are kind folks in this world right? Hugs and cheers for you! Gratitude on your behalf to the private school that said yes.

Edited by quark
  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, quark, I may have to.

 

What do I google for SF private sites? What am I looking for? We were near Arcadia and Yvonne, but alas, the city called us back.

I would start with private high schools...find names and numbers then call to speak with their AP coordinator. Good luck! All the public schools said no. I think there is a high school in Danville that is open to homeschoolers testing there.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, my goodness!  I just heard back from a private test site!  My sons can take the exam on the make-up date there! What a relief!!

Thank you, all, for your gentle words and reassurances. Thank you! 

 

Oh, wow!  I am so glad to hear this.  My heart was just sinking for you.  Hooray!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent!

 

I still can't believe that school.  Our school never told us that they changed the site last year, so ds was late for the paperwork and they waited for him and were gracious.  I am so glad that it worked out for you.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, my goodness!  I just heard back from a private test site!  My sons can take the exam on the make-up date there! What a relief!!

Thank you, all, for your gentle words and reassurances. Thank you! 

 

YAY!!! I'm so happy and relieved for you!  :hurray:  :hurray:  :hurray:

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It couldn't possibly be any worse so try another local high school!

My school district's staff can make you feel like going for a second degree in law. A friend's daughter in the same district as OP was bullied in high school and the district were passive even after three police reports. OP would have to try her luck northwards or southwards or southeast, just not eastwards (ETA: for public high schools. OP knows roughly where I stay)

Edited by Arcadia
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am so glad it worked out. 

 

It makes me thankful that we have not had too much difficulty.  l had always heard our high school was hard to deal with.  But it is the secretary to the person in charge who takes her "gatekeeper" job very seriously (like a serious ego trip) and makes it more difficult. Once I got through to the person in charge, she has been fabulous to deal with.  She is now dd's counselor at the high school (she takes all the part-time students and special cases.)  This person heard my distress about finding a place to test and how intimidating it could be and she got together with her cohort at the other high school and added a homeschool option to their automated AP sign up.  As long as they offer the test, it is easy-peasy for in-district students.  They try to work with us for other tests that they ordinarily don't offer.  And they have been good about communicating the things that the kids hear about in school. 

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, my goodness!  I just heard back from a private test site!  My sons can take the exam on the make-up date there! What a relief!!

Thank you, all, for your gentle words and reassurances. Thank you! 

there should be more of these "private test sites" or maybe CCs test centers stepping up since the public high school thing is such a crap shoot 

 

the CB could contact some of the CCs to see if they would be willing to host AP exam testing

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...