With AP exams just about a month away now is the perfect time to start studying if you have not already. Especially if this is your first AP exam, or you are worried about managing multiple, here are a few tips to ease your nerves and get the best preparation possible to ace all your exams.
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Especially if you have multiple exams as well as projects and other extracurricular activities to fulfill it is important to organize yourself. As someone who needs to have things planned out I suggest making a list of all the tests and activities you have coming up. Then write everything you have to do to prepare. For example, going over the units, taking a certain number of practice tests and going over review sheets.
Then prioritize what is coming up soonest and takes the most time to study for. Create a manageable schedule that you can use to make progress on all of your tests at a regular pace. This can be way more efficient than cramming in one night, and reduces burn out since you are not focusing on just one subject for multiple amounts of time. This might take a long time to create, but if you have the time (which you will if you start now) then spending the time to create a thorough schedule can lead to better results in the long run.
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2. Read the CED
In class your teachers may teach a lot of information in-depth, but on the AP exams not all the information is necessary. The course exam descriptions for every test can be found online, and it is crucial to read these.
The CEDs give an exact breakdown of units, and which ones are most represented on the test. This allows you to decide which units to focus on. Not only that, but for each unit it provides what topics, equations, main ideas, or themes that you need to know so that you are spending your time in the most efficient way. Also check whether free response questions or multiple choice matters more so you know what's more important to be strong in.
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3. You Don’t Need a 100%
Most AP Exams you only need to get around a 70% on the exam for a 5. This may seem like a crazy concept but a grade that might be around a C in a regular class is the same thing as getting an A+ for the AP. There are no bonus points for getting a 100 instead of an 85 so don’t waste time perfecting tiny skills, especially if you are on a time-crunch. Instead, focus on main themes so that you know all the information you need when exam time comes.
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4. Don’t Forget about Other Classes
Remember that as important as AP tests are, it is also crucial to keep up with all your classes and extracurriculars. You don’t want to ruin your GPA because you were too busy studying for the AP exam that you didn’t get a chance to study for regular tests. Many teachers teach right up to the week right before the AP, and those tests will still count so be sure to plan in a way that you have time to study for both.
That’s why it is important to start studying early so that on days when you might have a lot of tests you can afford to spend the time to focus on those tests and maybe study for only 15-20 minutes on APs.
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5. Find A Method that Works For You
Everyone learns in their own way. Some prefer reading a textbook while others go over old notes. Personally, I am a very visual learner, so I enjoy watching review videos to learn.
I find videos on YouTube about the course that give me exactly what I need to know and examples. I watch these videos and take notes, and then I use these same notes to review when the exam comes closer around.
Of course, a balance on different methods is also great especially for classes that are more challenging. It’s all about finding a pattern that works for you and sticking to that.
If your friend is telling you that they are reading the textbook or hiring a tutor this does not mean that you have to do that too. Just remember that everyone learns in their own way.
These strategies can be used not only for AP tests but for anything big that you have coming up. Happy studying and good luck for all your exams!
