The episode discusses and compares the structure of the two exam formats: the paper exams in May and the digital exam in June.
The episode discusses and compares the structure of the two exam formats: the paper exams in May and the digital exam in June (0:50). Differences between the administration of the digital exam and paper exam are described (1:11), especially the calculator policies (2:16). We are taking a quick look at timing, which is the same for the paper exam and the digital exam (4:26). Your last episode of the season ends with a quick recap of test taking tips for multiple-choice questions (4:57) as well as free-response questions (5:33). Good luck everyone!
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Hi and welcome to the APsolute Recap: Chemistry Edition. Today’s episode will focus on Test taking tips 2021
Let’s Zoom out
This is it! The last episode of the APsolute RecAP Chemistry Edition season 1. What a year! You might be taking the exam in a few days. But no matter if your exam is May 7th, May 25th, or June 10th we’ve got your back with test taking tips for 2021!
Let’s zoom in:
This year was an odd one, wasn’t it? You might have learned remotely, in person, hybrid or in all three varieties at some point this year. But: You’ve made it! Despite all the challenges you’ve had this school year, you persevered and now you have the chance to show off - to show off what you’ve learned!
Due to the circumstances, the College Board will offer two different testing formats: The exams in May will be traditional paper exams: 60 Multiple Choice, which count for 50% of your score and 7 free-response questions, which add the other 50%. The exam in June will be offered as a digital exam. Due to the nature of Chemistry, there are some changes to the structure: The digital exam consists of the regular 60 Multiple Choice questions, but then you will have a second Multiple Choice section with 40 questions, which contributes 33.3%. Then there is a shortened FRQ section with 1 long free-response and 2 short free-responses, adding 16.7% to your score. During the digital testing, all answers will be typed with a normal laptop keyboard and have to be answered via the digital testing app. You will not have to do any graphing or drawing on the digital exam, since the testing app doesn’t have that functionality.
The digital testing app can already be downloaded and you can access a practice test. This will give you an idea about the layout and functionality. You will be able to annotate on the app and you will be able to access the periodic table and equation sheet. One important note about the testing app: You will not be able to go back! So once you’ve moved beyond a question, your entry is automatically saved and you cannot access it later. Last, but not least difference between the paper version and the digital version: Because many students might be taking the June test at home, they will be allowed to use a calculator for all three sections, both Multiple Choice sections and the FRQ section. On the paper exam, which is administered at school, you will only be allowed to use the calculator on the free response questions. No worries, though, the question writers are aware of it and the paper multiple choice questions only require basic algebra which you can do in your head or with some scratch work. Speaking of a calculator: Pause the episode and charge your calculator NOW or change its batteries! I will wait for you!
While the clock is running, let’s briefly recap timing: on average, you will have 90 seconds for each multiple choice question. That means 90 minutes for the first 60 multiple choice questions, and if you are taking the digital exam, another 60 minutes for the second set. The free-response questions are the same in length: Long questions are worth 10 points and it is recommended to take around 23 minutes for each question. Short free-response questions are 4 points and it should take you about 9 minutes to answer.
If you haven’t listened to our multiple choice and free response question test taking tips - and you might be running out of time, here are the most important things, in a nutshell:
For the multiple choice, do not leave anything blank! It is better to take a guess and have a 25% chance than have a 0% chance! Utilize your pencil and pen that you are allowed to bring to circle important information - some of the question prompts are rather lengthy and you want to make sure the important information that you might need to answer the question sticks out!
For the free response questions, the most important advice is: RTFQ - ATFQ: read the freaking question, answer the freaking question! Keep it short and precise, this is not a social studies or an english class. Most questions can be answered in a few sentences, or with a calculation. Speaking of calculations, two pieces of advice: show your work and “units are friends - not food!”. There is no partial credit on FRQ subparts, so you want to make sure you get the full credit and units will help you in your calculations!
What is left to say? You’ve got this! Take a deep breath, get enough sleep, hydrate and eat a light breakfast. And then? - “Show ‘em what you are made of”, as our author’s favorite bands, the Backstreet Boys, would say! Good luck! The entire APsolute RecAP team, including Winnie and Rosie the Chemistry Cat, will have their fingers and paws crossed for you!
To recap:
The paper version that is administered in May 2021 will have the regular 60 multiple choice and 7 free-response questions. The digital exam in June will have a second multiple choice section and a shortened free-response section. The digital exam will be administered via a digital testing app. You have an average of 90 seconds for each multiple choice question, 23 minutes for a long and 9 minutes for a short response question. Don’t leave multiple choice questions blank, read and answer the questions carefully and show your work on the FRQs. Good luck, you’ve got this!
Stay tuned for the 2nd season of the APsolute recAP: Chemistry Edition in Fall 2021 and check out our other recAPs for Music Theory, Biology, Physics and US Government!