The cheating is out of control.
I’ve seen a lot of posts similar to this one recently on r/APStudents, but I need somewhere to get this out.
I took the AP Psychology exam yesterday. Everything was going well and I was honestly relieved that it was so easy. I need extended time for testing, so I took the exam in my school’s conference room, away from my other classmates (meaning I did not see this first hand, I just heard it from the source). I finished the MCQ early and took an unscheduled break to use the bathroom. On the way back from the bathroom I hear one of my classmates who is also taking the exam talking in the hallway with one of her friends (not taking the AP) about how she is using her phone during the exam. Initially, I thought nothing of it and maybe I misheard her. This student always cheats on every test, quiz, and assignment in every class, using ChatGPT to type in or take pictures of work and get answers, so either way I wasn’t surprised. Funnily enough, she is also in AP Seminar with me, and admitted to one of my friends that she used ChatGPT for both of her PTs. After the APP exam I was talking to one of my friends (let’s call her Anna) about how the exam went and I brought up the situation about this girl cheating. Anna confirmed that she saw this girl cheating and they both made eye contact, so the girl knew Anna saw her. After the exam was over, apparently this girl was staying back to make sure Anna did not tell the proctor about her cheating. After I found this out, I immediately wanted to go to the dean and AP coordinator with Anna to tell them about it, but my friend did not want to because she thought she would face consequences. I (and her mom who she later spoke with about this) told her that worst case scenario Anna would have to retake the test, and she would not face further consequences. Her mom eventually told her not to get involved and to just let it go. I personally am sick of the cheating that happens in the school, and how people who are academically dishonest are portrayed as “better students” for having better grades, even though they don’t put in the work needed for their grades. I decided that I would go by myself, even though Anna saw the whole thing and would be able to give more information because she was a witness. I went to the dean first, who said there wouldn’t be any consequences (such as score cancellation) because I told him after the exam was over (which is not how it works, but okay). I also talked to the AP coordinator at my school, and they said that the only way that the girl’s scores would get canceled as if Anna talked to the coordinator and confirmed that the girl was cheating. I haven’t told my friend this new information, but I feel like she would be upset with me for nagging her about getting involved. Both Anna and I have complained all year to each other about the excessive cheating in our school, especially with students in AP classes who should know better. I’m hoping my friend will come around so this girl will get her scores canceled and never be able to take an AP again (she will probably also be kicked out of National Honor Society). I know this seems harsh, but I’m honestly so frustrated and this is the last straw for me.
One last thing- I also filed an incident report through College Board, hoping that might do something if my AP coordinator can’t help. I know this is a long shot, but I’m wondering if there’s anything else I can do. I would appreciate any suggestions and support. I want other students who are in my situation to know that you’re not alone and I understand your frustrations.