Irvington has recently introduced several key changes to how College Board exams are administered on campus. These adjustments reflect both district-wide and national updates to College Board policies, impacting students’ access to PSAT, SAT, and AP testing. The shifts aim to streamline exam administration and improve fairness.
PSAT and SAT Changes
Previously, Irvington offered the PSAT to both 10th and 11th graders in October. However, this year, the PSAT was administered only to 11th graders on October 2nd and 3rd. This change was implemented across the district. According to Mrs. Howell, who oversees PSAT/SAT administration at Irvington, this was part of a district-wide decision.
In a notable shift, the SAT is now being offered to both seniors and juniors, whereas in previous years, only seniors were eligible. This expanded access mirrors changes seen in high schools throughout the district.
Transition to Digital Exams
Nationally, College Board has been pushing towards digitization of exams. Starting in March 2024, the SAT transitioned to a fully digital format, and AP exams will follow this trend in 2025. College Board’s rationale for this shift includes reducing cheating and ensuring more equitable exam experiences for students.
Digital Implementation at Irvington
Mr. Aucoin, Irvington’s AP coordinator, discussed how the school is preparing for digital exams. Preliminary discussions with the IT team are focused on upgrading the school’s internet infrastructure to ensure smooth digital exam administration.
Additionally, new policies limit 9th and 10th graders to registering for only two self-study AP exams—AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics. Upperclassmen, however, will continue to receive priority for AP registration.
Concerns About AP Load
While the limitation on underclassmen AP registration aims to manage students’ workloads, some concerns remain. Mr. Aucoin noted that limiting APs for younger students could place additional pressure on juniors and seniors. He acknowledged the value of spreading out AP exams over several years but also highlighted the logistical constraints Irvington faces.
District-Wide Consistency
Irvington’s changes reflect a district-wide effort to maintain consistency across all schools. As Mr. Aucoin pointed out, schools like Mission, Washington, and American high schools will follow the same AP testing policies, costs, and registration windows. This ensures uniformity across Fremont Unified School District.
Educational Standards
Despite the changes, the registration process for all College Board exams will remain similar to previous years. The new policies aim to adapt to evolving educational standards while ensuring fairness and accessibility for all students.