Are gel pens a no-go on AP exams?

I've got this amazing set of gel pens that I love writing with, but I heard we might not be able use them on the AP exams. Is that true? Should I just stick to ballpoint pens?

Hey there! It's great to hear you've found pens that you enjoy writing with. However, for AP exams, it's important to stick to the guidelines provided by the College Board. The rules are fairly strict about using only black or dark blue ink pens for the free-response sections (like essays and problem-solving areas). Gel pens are indeed a no-go because they can smear and are harder to scan accurately.

I'd recommend you stick to ballpoint pens that are less likely to cause issues, especially since AP exams are scanned and sent to readers electronically. It's all about ensuring your work is as clear and legible as possible for the graders. Maybe practice a bit before the exam with ballpoint pens to get comfortable if you've been using gel pens for a while. Best of luck with your exams!