[ben_jones]

It's been awhile but the AP exam for me was nothing but rote memorization. You memorize how to solve n types (10? 15? 20?) of problems and then you grind through the test a) identify what type of problem it is b) apply algorithm to solve.

Furthermore the AP exam environment, IMO, varied by the school giving it. I could have easily stored formulas in my calculator (for the calculator section), I could have easily colluded with classmates, and if my teachers wanted to, they could've easily given me the answers. It was a bit of a joke really. Multiple phones went off during the exam, no penalties were given (which I agree is the right approach, but it does say something about the exam itself).

The prestige of the AP program and the experience of taking a number of AP courses has contributed to my declining respect for our higher education system really.

[SolderMonkey]

In the framework of 'a) identify what type of problem it is b) apply algorithm to solve', how many freshman college classes (what the AP classes try to emulate) don't work within that framework?

While I believe our primary and higher education systems could use a lot of work, I think the AP program is at least respectable as a stepping stone into higher education, especially for communities where higher education isn't a norm or accessible.

[witty_username]

> I could have easily stored formulas in my calculator (for the calculator section)

You are allowed to do that. Proctors won't clear calculator memory.

> I could have easily colluded with classmates, and if my teachers wanted to, they could've easily given me the answers.

Proctors and/or students will likely notice that.