Can College Board Rescore AP Free Response? (Spoiler Alert: It’s a No)
You’ve just finished your AP exams, your brain feels like a scrambled egg, and you’re anxiously awaiting your scores. You’re aiming for that coveted 4 or 5, but what if you suspect you might have missed a few points on the free-response section? Can you request a rescore?
The short answer is no, you can’t rescore the free-response section of your AP exam. And trust me, if you’re thinking about trying to sneak in a re-grade, College Board is more vigilant than a hawk guarding its nest.
Let’s break down why this is the case, and explore the only option you might have for a re-evaluation:
The Case Against Rescoring Free Response
Here’s the deal: those free-response questions are graded by humans, and they’re not exactly known for being robots with perfect accuracy. But the College Board believes in their human graders, and they don’t want to open a Pandora’s box of endless rescoring requests.
Imagine the chaos! Imagine the endless emails, phone calls, and social media posts from students demanding a re-evaluation of their essays. It would be a logistical nightmare, and it would likely lead to even more inconsistencies in grading.
Plus, let’s be honest, you probably wouldn’t like the results if they offered free-response rescoring. We all know those essays could go either way – the grader might think your argument was brilliant, or they might be scratching their head wondering what language you’re speaking.
So, while it might feel like a lost cause, the College Board has a good reason for not rescoring free-response sections.
But What About the Multiple-Choice Section?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The College Board does offer a rescoring option for the multiple-choice section, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park.
You have to fill out a special form, pay a $30 fee, and hope for the best. This is a gamble, my friends. Your score might go up, it might go down, or it might stay the same.
It’s like playing roulette, except instead of a ball landing on a number, you’re hoping the hand-scoring of your bubble sheet will be more generous this time around.
Why Would College Board Allow This?
You might be thinking, “Why would they offer this service if they’re so confident in their grading?” Well, it’s all about accountability. The College Board wants to make sure that their grading is fair and accurate, and they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is.
This rescoring option is a chance to address any potential errors in the machine scoring process. It’s a way for them to say, “We’re not perfect, but we’re trying our best.”
So, Should You Rescore?
Here’s the bottom line: you should only request a rescore if you’re genuinely concerned about a potential error in the scoring of your multiple-choice section. If you’re just looking for a freebie to bump up your score, don’t bother. It’s not worth the $30 and the emotional rollercoaster.
Think of it this way: if you’re confident in your abilities, you shouldn’t be afraid of the original score. If you’re not confident, a rescore probably won’t change the outcome.
Tips for Avoiding Rescore Anxiety
Here’s a little advice for future AP test-takers:
- Study hard: The best way to avoid rescore anxiety is to ace your exams in the first place. Focus on your studies and make sure you understand the material thoroughly.
- Manage your expectations: Don’t get hung up on the score. Focus on learning and understanding the material.
- Don’t stress: Relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the summer. You’ve worked hard, and you deserve a break.
The Real Takeaway:
The AP exams are a lot of pressure, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious about your scores. But remember, the College Board is a massive organization with a vested interest in ensuring fair and accurate grading.
If you’re truly concerned about an error in your multiple-choice score, the rescoring option is available. But before you jump in with both feet, consider your options carefully.
Need More Information?
If you have any other questions about AP exams, rescoring, or anything else related to college admissions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re a friendly bunch, and we’re always happy to help.