<p>After a significant delay in scoring my kid's AP exam during which time the College Board wouldn't provide an explanation, my kid just received a letter saying that the cd part of the language exam had been damaged and they projected the score based on the written part of the exam. The letter makes it clear that schools may choose not to accept the score. The score is lower than it should be. Kiddo actually lived abroad speaking this language and the AP testers did not provide approved additional time-- which adversely affected the written portion. (Kiddo's high school doesn't offer this language as an AP so kiddo went elsewhere to take it and that school ended up not giving extra time.) Has anyone had experience with this? What I really wish is that the CB would give a retake but there's been no offer and I'm not even sure who to contact. My inquiries regarding the delay were stonewalled. Anyone know who to contact?</p>
<p>A few years ago, CB lost the essay portion of D’s AP American History Exam. Very long story…I found out only because we requested a copy and they couldn’t find it. She was offered a retake, but chose to take the “imputed” score.</p>
<p>It was dreadful dealing with them on the phone, but it was worth it. Seems like they should offer a free retake. I don’t remember who we called initially…it may have been a selection on their general menu…but they did refer us around until someone finally told us the real story.</p>
<p>Good luck…</p>
<p>They should offer a free retake. Try to get to a supervisor, or have a guidance counselor call. Didn’t the school your son attends give him credit for the AP class, even if it wasn’t taken at that school?</p>
<p>As long as a retake is possible, I would also pursue the extra time accommodation. The accommodation is granted by the College Board, not the school, so I am not sure how they could refuse this. Was the school not told about it in advance?</p>
<p>It’s a pain that your son might have to study again, but this situation really isn’t fair. I guess you could enclose any correspondence with the College Board along with his transcript, to any colleges where he applies.</p>
<p>SAT’s can result in waivers of language requirements, and also, from our experience, many students who are proficient take a language course freshman year anyway: good way to keep stress down!</p>
<p>So I guess it’s up to your son what to do…</p>
<p>Is the student heading off the college this fall? If so, then check the college’s own placement guidelines and testing – many colleges have their own placement guidelines and testing for foreign language because students often come with native or heritage ability that is not “documented” with high school course records or standardized tests.</p>
<p>If the student’s ability in the foreign language allows proper placement in language courses or fulfillment of foreign language requirements in college through the college’s own placement procedures, then the problem with the AP test becomes less relevant.</p>
<p>Compmom, there was some sort of staffing issue and, when we showed up for kiddo to take the test, we were told they couldn’t give the extra time. I called the CB at the time and they said since the student had entered the classroom, there wasn’t much they could do unless I opened an investigation-- which they said I could open after receiving the score. Ucb, kiddo is taking a gap year.</p>
<p>Update… Based on the advice in this thread, I called the CB and they opened an investigation and gave me a case number. They said they would call me in 3 days but no one ever did. I called today and, a few hours later, the person in charge of the case called me back and said she contacted the testing site today and they apparently have a copy of my kid’s oral exam which they have emailed the CB and will be graded. So my kid should get a new grade in 2 weeks. That still doesn’t address the lack of extended time but we’ll see what happens. </p>
<p>I asked why they projected a grade without ever calling the school and the CB lady said that most schools don’t have a copy.</p>
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Or in other words, CB already had your money so they couldn’t be bothered.</p>
<p>Has your S taken the ACT test? Most colleges will accept that in place of the SAT if you want. Some will take both and use whichever one has the highest score for their decision. Of course, double check with the particular college to ensure it’ll accept the ACT if you choose to go this route.</p>
<p>GladGrad,</p>
<p>This issue was about an AP exam, not an SAT exam.</p>
<p>It’s interesting that CB allowed a complaint from a parent. My son’s AP language exam CD was skipping during the test. The kids and parents tried to file a complaint with CB but were told that they would only open an investigation initiated by the school’s AP Coordinator. This was set in motion, but CB ended up denying any special scoring. They found that the CD was fine and the testing site (another local school) equipment was probably faulty. Therefore it was not the fault of the CB. The kids ended up with lower scores because they couldn’t complete the oral portion of the exam without hearing the CD. All appeals have been denied.</p>
<p>
Whoops!</p>
<p>I hope it works out and CB makes it right.</p>