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Who should pay for AP tests?

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What are AP tests?

AP (advanced placement) tests are administered by the College Board after a student takes a corresponding AP course in high school. In many schools, the test is mandatory in order to pass the course. However, in many of these same schools, public schools included, the county does not cover the cost for the test, which is about $90, which leaves the burden on the family. In public schools, a class should not theoretically be priced, but paying $90 for a mandatory test could be considered paying for the class. On the other hand, many counties spend thousands of dollars to pay for these tests and, in a weak economy, and are cancelling this payment to make room for other school programs.

AP Exams Should be Covered!

The Con

Voldemort-47c491c4b726In a public school, classes should be free. If students are required to take a test to pass the class, the test should be payed for. Even with programs that allow those in financial need to ask for help, it may cause hardship on families to pay for these tests. There are many families that fall within a "gray area," in which they cannot pay for the tests, but do not receive allowances by the county either. This would limit the enrollment of these students in AP courses, which would not benefit them or the society as a whole. Everyone who wants to take a class should have the opportunity to take it.

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The Students Should Pay!

The Pro

Most students only take one or two AP tests, if any, in the their high school careers. However, there are hundreds or thousands of tests taken each year in any one county. Most families can afford to pay $90-$180 over the course of four years, but not all counties can afford to pay thousands of dollars for these tests. In these tough economic times, paying for AP exams could increase class sizes or cut summer schools. In many cases, the money saved by not paying for these exams benefits many more students by allowing them to get extra attention in school and therefore allowing them to reach their fullest potential.

The College Board

The College Board currently offers 30 exams. The scores are given by ranking all test takers and giving each student a score from 1-5 (five being the best). This year, these each exam cost $90. Find out more about College Board at collegeboard.com.

What Do You Think?

Should public school students pay for AP exams?

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Yes! It cost a lot for the county to pay for all of those tests!

No! It a public school and no class should come with a "fee."

lilyofthevalley says:

AP Tests and classes come with so many benefits, including the experience of working in a college-like setting to receiving college credit for a class you took in high school. However, the fees that come with the tests often discourage lower-income students from taking the exams. One year in high school, I had to pay only $8 to take each exam, the next year, I had to pay $45. Guess which year I took more AP exams? The local government should absolutely pay for AP fees. They can take the money away from their ridiculously overpriced, underused athletic purchases.

 

Interesting Update!

The Virginia Attorney General just decided that no Virginia student should be made to pay for their AP tests for AP classes they are taking. This means that all counties in Virginia that asked students to pay for their AP tests are now being refunded. :)

Anything else to add?

Here's your chance!

  • Serena Clark Mar 14, 2012 @ 11:39 am | delete
    I got a letter today asking ( West Forsyth High School / Winston-salem-Forsyth County Schools)for $87.00 for the test...that is what my car insurance cost for the month, or gas bill, or almost a week worth of food for my family($125.00) If I don't pay this my child will have his "B" drop to a "C"...this is not right..I guess I will not have to pay something this month so my child isn't not penalized...I have another child I will not enroll in any AP class...He gets all A's and plans on going to collage...but will not take these class.. Both will join the National Guuard to pay for collage because I can't pay for it myself...I have a job and I'm not on any government programs...We pay for what we want and get...It's sad they will not be able to get this credit for these classes that I'm sure they would do well in...
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