<p>I'm taking the AP Lit, Calc AB, Chem, and Psychology tests and they all say to use pen for the free response portions. However, I've heard that it isn't necessary? What did you guys use/did it make a difference?</p>
<p>If it says use pen, even if you can get away with it, use pen.</p>
<p>I get a chance to practice my calligraphy!</p>
<p>I used pen last year for the Chem test.</p>
<p>i used pen, but i think i heard somewhere that pencil could be fine too</p>
<p>For the multiple choice sections, you have to use a pencil. For the FRs, they advise you to use a blue or black pen. Really, why would you worry about using a pencil when you could just listen to their instructions and use a pen?</p>
<p>When in doubt, grab your pen.</p>
<p>use the pen to be safe...otherwise you might end up with all 1s</p>
<p>Hey....if They Tell You To Use A Pen, Then Use A Pen. Buy An Erasable Pen! I Repeat, Buy An Erasable Pen!</p>
<p>Some people have a strong preference. I tend to use too much pressure when I'm writing, so I don't do well when I'm writing anything long in pencil. My hand starts to hurt from pushing down too hard. When I write in pen, I write exclusively in the Uniball vision pens. The ink flows really well, so I don't have the pressure problem with them. It's an expensive habit, but with all the writing I do, it's worth it.</p>
<p>Just don't ask for trouble. I know people who have disregarded the SAT's instructions on using a number 2 pencil for the SAT. They used a mechanical pencil instead, and their essay wouldn't scan properly, and they had to pay extra fees.</p>
<p>They tell you to use pen, so use pen. I mean, they also give you a time limit, and you won't ask for an extra five minutes...</p>
<p>I remember them saying you can use a pen or pencil for the Calculus FRQ. I can't remember if you could for Chem though, I used pen either way. I just don't feel comfortable doing calculus in pen. AP Lit you have to use pen though.</p>
<p>Is it instructed to use pen on the AP Bio FRQs?</p>
<p>I used pencil on Chem and Stats and I got 5s on both.</p>
<p>I'd be too afraid to use pen on my calculus FRQ's.
I tend to make mistakes, so a completely scratched out paper would look bad.</p>
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I know people who have disregarded the SAT's instructions on using a number 2 pencil for the SAT. They used a mechanical pencil instead
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<p>I buy the cheap Bic mechanical pencils, and they're all #2's. I've also used them on every standardized test I've taken in high school with no adverse effects. They just work better for me.</p>
<p>For the problem-based APs (math, sciences, computers) it's a good idea to use a pencil, but I think they will allow use of a pen. For the essay-based APs (English, history), they usually require a pen.</p>
<p>The story I heard about this is as follows; whether or not this happened, I don't know.</p>
<p>One year, a truck carrying the FRQ booklets got wet. Apparently, many of the booklets in the truck were unreadable, as the pencil markings had run. Some of the ink ran, but if it was tradition ball point pen ink, it was fine, and the scorer could read it. However, the FRQ's that were unreadable were thrown out unscored; people got a score based on the multiple choice responses.</p>
<p>That is definitely not true. Do you realize the sheer amount of lawsuits something like that would cause?</p>
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<p>Yes, indeed. Despite the instructions, some people still decide to use a pencil, then panic after they're done and call the CB to see if they're in trouble.</p>
<p>Somebody is paid good money to write the directions on the covers of the exams. I would think that anyone who wants to earn a 5 would take the time to read them and follow them.</p>
<p>Alright then, I'll make sure to bring some pens then. ;]</p>