The policy, printed in the 2007/2008 handbook, requires that any student taking an AP course must take the AP test or else receive an F for the course.

High school students argue that the testing policy is an unfair burden and would rather have the choice of which AP tests they take.

Michelle Brody, a senior taking five AP courses, says the policy has many faults.

Students such as herself, who want to stay competitive with their peers, must take AP courses because there are limited Honors level options senior year.

Brody pointed to the preparation required for each test, saying that the exam is more a reflection of the student’s work outside the classroom than what is learned in it. Having to prepare for so many tests, argued Brody, is a disservice to students, as their performance on each would likely diminish.

However, School Superintendent Jan Furman and Demarest Principal Bruce Sabatini said the last minute change was impossible and stood by the policy, saying mandated testing is the only way to externally validate the "academic rigor" of the course.

Furman said that the trends of other schools, which mandate AP tests, show that over time students adjust to the demands and that in the long run the policy pays off, giving "schools more respect in admissions offices."

"It is about the integrity of the institution of Northern Valley," said Furman who said an external assessment is needed in order to guarantee the material learned in the course is indeed AP level.