<p>Should nonnative speaker take AP Spanish in order to get at least 4? It seems with large number of native speakers taking this AP, curve is going to be really high. Will it takes too much effort to score high and it better to take some other non-language AP instead?</p>
<p>Contrary to what many will tell you, the AP Spanish Exam is NOT scored on a bell curve. According to Trevor Packer’s official Twitter, “No AP exams are scored on a bell curve. They’re criterion-referenced; all students who earn the points get the score.” The AP Spanish tests are designed to be passable by non-natives. Although natives have an edge, many native speakers taking the test will not disadvantage you.</p>
<p>Apparently even some natives have some trouble. My friend, a native speaker, got a 4, while some non-natives in her class got 5s. So you definitely have a shot at a 5.</p>
<p>With the new test this year, there may be slightly less advantage for native speaker.</p>
<p>Yep. The test assumes decent command of Spanish grammar but focuses on thematic content assessment (similar to AP English Language) instead of grammatical knowledge. For instance, you do not need to use the subjunctive mood or other “advanced grammar” on an FRQ in order to score full points anymore, but you need to craft a well-written response to the prompt.</p>
<p>As long as you are comfortable with using Spanish and have sufficient analytical skills to understand and write about the topics discussed in the course, you should be able to do well on the exam. The redesigned curve combined with the lack of official preparation resources may shaft us, though (see this past year’s Bio exam results). I hope not.</p>
<p>I feel the same way too QuietLurker…that last change for Bio last year was horrendous, but I think this test will not be like that. I feel like it really helps the Non-natives better as now, as we are studying and learning around what will be tested, even the natives are having troubles. It seems like a fair shot.</p>