AP EXAM DAY INFORMATION

Information for students taking AP Exams - May 2026

Exam Schedule

The AP exam schedule is listed HERE. Before your tests, please review the room location and the information below.

Please note: 

AP Art and Design students will submit portfolios through the online portal by May 8th at 8:00 p.m. (EST). 

AP Seminar students must submit their performance tasks by April 30th at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Extensions are granted for those who will miss the deadline. The final deadline is Friday, May 8th at 11:59 p.m. (EST).

Room Locations and Rosters

CLICK HERE

Classes on Exam Days

Taking an AP exam is a significant undertaking, and we want to ensure you have the flexibility to perform your best. Please review the following guidelines regarding class attendance on your scheduled testing days:

• Attendance Choice: You are not required to attend your other classes on the day of an AP exam. Whether you join your classes before or after your testing session is entirely at your discretion.

• Teacher Notification: Teachers will receive a daily roster of students scheduled for testing. While your absence is excused, you are responsible for completing any missed coursework or assignments.

• Attendance Records: You do not need to contact the office to excuse these absences. The main office will automatically update PowerSchool to reflect your testing status.

AP Digital and Hybrid  Exams, AP Art and Design, AP Seminar & AP Foreign Language Exams

Format Details: All exams will be digital, while select sessions will be hybrid. For specific details on your subject, Read More Here.

Account Access: You must memorize your College Board login credentials (username and password) prior to exam day. You will need these to access the testing platform.

Missing an Exam

If an illness or family emergency prevents you from attending your AP exam, please follow the protocol below to ensure you remain eligible for a make-up session.

Reporting an Absence

You must contact Mr. Grindrod no later than 7:30 A.M. on the day of your exam.

• Contact: 203-479-0284 / TEXT ONLY

Eligibility & Requirements

Per College Board policy, make-up exams are only granted for legitimate, documented reasons. To qualify, you must provide:

• Documentation:  A doctor’s note, court documents, or a funeral notice.

• Timely Request:  Notification must be sent via text or email with enough lead time to order necessary materials.

• Late Fee:  Please note there is a $40 fee for late/make-up exams.

Make-Up Schedule

Make-up testing is scheduled to begin the week of May 19th.

Click here to view the full Make-Up Schedule

Not Taking the Exam

Please be aware of the following implications if you choose not to take your scheduled AP Exam:

• Financial Obligation:  A $40 fee will be charged to you, payable to Wilbur Cross High School.

• Transcript Adjustment:  Your course credit will be downgraded from AP to Honors credit on your official transcript.

Exam Start Times

To ensure a smooth testing experience, we adhere to strict College Board start times. Please note that seating is assigned by testing staff upon arrival.

Morning Exams (8:00 a.m.)

• Arrival Deadline:  No later than 7:30 a.m.

• Pre-Exam Instructions:  Directions will be read at 7:45 a.m.

• Official Start:  8:00 a.m.

Afternoon Exams (12:00 p.m.)

• Lunch:  Report to the cafeteria for First Lunch (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 10:41 a.m. | Wed: 10:58 a.m.).

• Pre-Exam Instructions:  Directions will be read at 11:45 a.m.

• Official Start:  12:00 p.m.

Important Logistics

• Tardiness:  Per College Board policy, students who arrive late may be barred from testing and may not be eligible for a make-up exam.

• Back-to-Back Exams:  If you have two exams in one day, the second will not start until you finish the first. Please bring a packed lunch for the transition.

• Transportation:  You are responsible for your own transportation.

  • Arrival:  Enter through the Main Office entrance.

  • Departure:  Exams may end between 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

*Note: School buses are not available after late exams. See Mr. Wajnowski if you require a city bus pass.

Breaks

Each exam includes scheduled breaks as dictated by the testing script. To ensure you stay energized, please keep the following rules in mind:

• Snacks and Drinks:  You are encouraged to bring sufficient refreshments. However, these must be consumed quietly in the hallway during designated breaks.

• Testing Room Policy:  Per College Board regulations, eating and drinking are strictly prohibited inside the testing room.

  • Exception: Only students with pre-approved special accommodations are permitted to have food or drink at their testing stations.

What to Bring:

To ensure you are fully prepared and compliant with College Board regulations, please bring the following items to your testing site:

Essential Supplies

• Pencils:  Several sharpened pencils.

  • Note: Mechanical pencils are strictly prohibited.

• Pens:  Several pens with black or dark blue ink.

• Comfort:  A sweatshirt or light jacket is strongly recommended, as testing room temperatures can fluctuate.

Subject-Specific Tools

• Calculators:  Bring a College Board-approved calculator for applicable exams.

  • View the Approved Calculator List Here

  • Tip: Verification is key! Some exams require a scientific calculator, while others only allow a 4-function model. Check with your AP teacher if you are unsure.

• Physics Students:  You are permitted to bring a ruler or straightedge.

• German & Spanish Language Students:  You will use school-issued Chromebooks for recording; these will be provided by WCHS.

Fuel for Breaks

• Refreshments:  Bring snacks and drinks to consume in the hallway during scheduled breaks.

What NOT to Bring:

To maintain test security and comply with College Board regulations, the following items are strictly prohibited in the testing room. Possession of any of these items may result in score cancellation.

Personal & Electronic Devices

• Communication:  Cell phones, Smartwatches, Meta Glasses, Airpods, or headphones.

• Noise-Makers:  Earplugs or any watches that beep or have an alarm.

• Computing:  Computers or personal laptops. (WCHS will provide Chromebooks for digital exams.)

Stationery & Testing Tools

• Prohibited Writing Tools:  Mechanical pencils, #3 or colored pencils, highlighters, and correction fluid.

• Reference Materials:  Books, dictionaries, notes, reference guides, or keyboard maps.

• Measurement Tools:  Compasses, protractors, or clipboards.

  • Note: Rulers/straightedges will be provided by staff for Physics exams.

• Paper:  Scratch paper of any kind, except for fully digital exams. All work must be completed directly in the provided exam books for hybrid exams (Part 2) or AP Foreign Language Exams. 

Miscellaneous

• Calculators:  Personal calculators are permitted only for specific exams.

• Subject-Related Attire:  Clothing or shoes printed with information related to the subject being tested.

Testing with Accommodations

Students with Accommodations and Digital Exams Policy

Students officially approved by the College Board will receive their designated accommodations for all AP exams, including digital formats.

Opting Out of Accommodations

If you choose not to use your approved accommodations, you must submit a formal request:

• Requirement:  A written request must be emailed to both Mr. Grindrod (brian.grindrod@new-haven.k12.ct.us) and your Academy Administrator.

• Parental Consent:  If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must provide written permission to waive accommodations.

• Deadline:  Requests must be received at least 7 days prior to your exam date to allow for roster and rooming adjustments.

Questions?

For any inquiries regarding your specific accommodations or the approval process, please reach out to our SSD Coordinator - Ebony McClease / Email: ebony.mcclease@new-haven.k12.ct.us

Access to Devices

To maintain the integrity of the exam and comply with strict College Board regulations, all electronic devices are prohibited from the testing environment.

Strict No-Access Rule

Students are not permitted to access cell phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, or any other electronic devices at any time—including during scheduled breaks. If you have an unauthorized device, you will be removed from the exam, owe $40 for a test cancellation, and may be prevented from taking future College Board exams. 

• Exception: Only students with prior College Board approval for medical monitoring devices may access technology.

Handling & Storage

• Power Off:  All devices must be completely powered off (not just silenced) to prevent vibration, beeping, or any disruption.

• Collection:  Devices will be collected by testing staff before the exam begins and returned only after the testing session has officially ended and students have exited the testing area.

• Storage:  Students will be asked to store their powered-off devices inside their bags in a designated area.

Questions?

If you have further questions leading up to your exams, please reach out to the appropriate contact:

• Subject-Specific Questions:  For questions regarding exam content, format, or study materials, please contact your AP Teacher.

• General Logistics & Test-Day Procedures:  For questions about scheduling, locations, or general policy, please contact Mr. Grindrod at brian.grindrod@new-haven.k12.ct.us.