AP EXAMS TAKEN AT HOME

As an international student, I was lucky to be able to go back to China and be with my family during the pandemic.

However, many challenges arose due to the 13-hour time difference between Winnipeg and China. At first, it was quite difficult to find the right study pace, having virtual classes late at night or even just by watching the recordings of classes. Fortunately, I formed small study groups with several other BH girls who had come back to China to help and support each other.

It was a very fun and meaningful experience, as we met (via WeChat) regularly to not only learn from the textbooks and class recordings but also to learn from each other and online resources.

This year’s Advanced Placement (AP) exams were moved online due to the coronavirus, so writing exams became another great challenge. Other than having to prepare myself for the exam, such as checking for the e-tickets and AP I.D., it was especially difficult for me to overcome the time difference since the exams started at 2 a.m. in China. Though it was hard to work after midnight, I decided to take a nap prior to my exams in order to stay energetic.

The group of us who stayed in China all took the responsibility of reminding each other of the time and continued to support each other.

Although preparing for and taking AP exams at home this year has been an extremely different experience than in past years, being in a new learning environment has pushed us to enhance independent learning skills, take advantage of online resources, and team up to support each other.