<p>I know you have to use a No. 2 pencil to answer multiple choice questions. </p>
<p>I was wondering if you are allowed to use a mechanical pencil to answer free response questions in the AP CalcAB exam?</p>
<p>Also, are you allowed to use a mechanical pencil or pen for the FRQs and DBQ in the US AP exam?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure that they would work (as most mechanical pencils are #2), but collegeboard specifically asks that you not use them. I've seen some people use them, however, with no problem, but if the proctor is strict you'll probably be asked to replace your mechanical one with a regular pencil. </p>
<p>If you decide to use one, take caution to use a regular one, because the machines may not pick up your type of lead (same reason as not using pens)...</p>
<p>I've heard a rumor that the reason why CB disallows mechnical pencils is because somebody put a camera in their mechanical pencil to record questions during the test, and apparently was caught. Hence the policy.</p>
<p>oh, right... you definitely CANNOT use a pen for the FRQ / DBQ sections, or the machine that scans your test into the computer will not pick it up. Stick with pencil. :)</p>
<p>That's what I would have thought but on collegeboard it says:</p>
<p>"Exam Day
What to Bring
Several sharpened No. 2 pencils (with erasers) for all multiple-choice answer sheets.
Black or dark-blue ballpoint pens for free-response questions in most exams. "</p>
<p>AP:</a> Exam Day</p>
<p>oh, you're right! I didn't quite see that page, and I'm afraid I can't give you a definite answer, but it won't hurt to bring a pen to the test. I'm sure your proctor will know, though.</p>
<p>AP = Black or Blue pen. Book is directly read by a person.
SAT = Pencil. Scanned first, then read by a person.</p>
<p>When in doubt, read the directions.</p>
<p>What if the pen is kinda gelly? And not ball point?</p>
<p>that's fine, mine was a gelly-type pen last year.</p>
<p>Do you guys know if the free-response questions for the math tests have to be done in pen too?</p>
<p>The FR doesn't and shouldn't be done in pen.</p>
<p>You just need a pen for signing something if I remember correctly</p>
<p>So do we HAVE to use a pen for the FR sections for tests like english, gov, etc? It's just that I tend to think of better ways of wording something after I have already written it down, so I tend to erase a lot.</p>
<p>Also, would the proctor actually care?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Black or dark-blue ballpoint pens for free-response questions in most exams.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Seriously, what's so hard to understand about that?</p>
<p>OH, and is using an erasable pen okay?</p>
<p>You should be allowed to use an erasable pen. I know white out isn't allowed, though.</p>
<p>I e-mailed collegeboard with the original question. I'll post the answer when they reply.</p>
<p>
[quote]
What if the pen is kinda gelly? And not ball point?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Why would you even risk it? Honestly, that is, by far, the stupidest question I have heard in quite some time regarding testing policy. I'm sure that you could afford to buy a ballpoint pen (they're like 10 cents) and if you can't, I'm sure that someone you know has an extra ballpoint pen that you could borrow. And if those aren't options, then go to the library and steal a ballpoint pen or ask them if you could borrow it for the next 2 weeks. Honestly, you need to think.</p>
<p>mike115: you are allowed to use erasable pens as long as they are ballpoint and black or blue ink. I've taken my fair share of AP tests spanning a number of subjects (physics, chem, gov, apus, psych, etc.) and have 7 more coming up this year and ALL of them required pen for the FR portion. Pen makes it easier for the reader b/c they don't have to worry about smudging and bleeding through (with "gelly" pens) and some pencil lead smears if you place your fingers on the writing.</p>
<p>hydralisks: I don't know where you took your tests (or when) but most free response sections of AP exams require pen. The SAT (as someone mentioned) is in pencil.</p>
<p>Regarding mechanical pencils: I used a mechanical pencil the first time i took my SAT and received my scores fine (even though they didn't want mechanical pencils.) I learned about the policy for no mechanical pencils after that and so, I don't use them (despite the stupidity of the policy). It seems stupid to challenge collegeboard on this issue; it's just a pencil and I would rather not get into a fight with a strict proctor because of a pencil.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>You don't HAVE to do anything. You can write in pink pencil if you want.</p>
<p>However, if you WANT to get the best possible score for your essay you SHOULD use a black or blue pen that will provide the best legibility for the folks who read your essay. Change your mind? Cross it out and write in the new answer.</p>
<p>Follow the Directions</p>
<p>If you are writing essays, write in pen. If you are doing calculations it is highly recommended that you write in pencil, cross outs can make it very difficult for graders to understand how you reached your answer.</p>
<p>even calculations are recommended in pen, raller. When you cross out, a simple line through what you don't want graded will do. Don't scribble the thing out and make a gash in your paper from where you were trying to cross out. I do all my calculus work in pen (it drives my calc teacher nuts) but when I do something wrong, I cross it out and start in a new area. In a way, this looks cleaner and is easier to read. When you erase with a pencil, you may leave eraser marks and then write over those eraser marks which makes it hard to read. I personally abhor the pencil and I always write everything in blue ballpoint pen.</p>
<p>edit: I will be taking Calc this year but I did take Chem last year and we were required to write in pen. Just a note.</p>
<p>I think erasable is okay - used one last year and got a 5 :)</p>
<p>i think whiteout is ok. i used it last year, and still got scores for my free response q's. used it this year too.</p>
<p>they never state anywhere on the form or cb's website to not use whiteout, so....?</p>