.
May 21, 2009
By Josh Yim
Fewer than 600 students signed up for Advanced Placement tests this year, compared to more than 800 students last year, a 25% drop. Vice-Principal Lance Miller is confident that it is due to the nation’s current economic situation.
“People can’t afford things, but they’re way over the poverty level,” Miller said.
Those who are under the national poverty level are given reduced test fees by the College Board, the organization that oversees AP testing. However, few families in Fremont fall below the national poverty line. For example, a four person household must make less than $38,203.
“The problem with fee waivers is that they’re based on the national poverty level,” Miller said.
While many students are not eligible to receive official aid, Washington High School is trying to do whatever they can to make the tests more affordable for students.
“WHS has decided not to increase its fees, so we are barely covering our costs so that more kids could take the test,” Miller said via email.
The costs the school must cover include paying the testing proctors. Washington’s test fee has remained at $88 while other schools in the district have raised their fees. Irvington charges $100 while Mission San Jose is now at $120.
Compared to other schools, Washington is able to keep costs down by administering the test in our cafeteria. Mission rents out a hall for students to take the tests, a cost which is reflected in its price per test which is higher compared to the cost of taking a test at Washington.
