I have taken (and passed!) multiple AP exams, including: AP Computer Science A, AP Government and Politics, AP English Language and Composition, AP US History, AP Precalculus, and AP Biology. I will also take 3 AP exams this year including AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature and Composition, and AP Psychology. After plenty of trial-and-error from trying different things for my own exams, here is a list of the best tips to help you survive this year’s AP exam season.
Start Studying Now
I know that AP exams still seem so far away, but they are only days away. The biggest tip I can give you is not to cram all of your studying into the night before the exam, especially if you are taking multiple exams. You can get the information mixed up, or you won’t remember it when you are taking the exam. It’s best to take a few weeks (preferably at least a month) to slowly study and get all the material into your head.
Also, from what I have learned, make sure to focus your studying on what you don’t know. If you know a section really well, you can study it a little bit to ensure that you know the material, but don’t spend most of your time on that. Figure out what you don’t know first, and then plan how you study around that information.
Utilize the Internet
So many students before you have taken the AP exam and so many teachers have studied the material. Use their knowledge that they share with you. Find Kahoots, study guides, videos, etc. that help you to understand the material. While it is helpful to do things such as making your own notecards or rewriting your notes, just know that you don’t have to do everything alone. Someone on the internet can help you. Even if it’s just for another way to describe a term that you still aren’t sure about.
Go to Sleep
Make sure to get a good night’s rest the night before your exams. You do not want to be fighting sleep or a foggy brain when you are in for your exams, especially because they are timed. This also goes hand-in-hand with not cramming the material the night before. Instead of staying up all night studying or watching TikToks, go to sleep. Your brain will feel much more refreshed if you sleep the night before, and you’ll be able to recall information better.
Time Management
Once you are in the exam, use your time wisely. If you don’t understand a question, skip it and go back to it later. Questions can help you find answers to other questions, so don’t waste too much of your time on questions you don’t know. Use your time to figure out the questions you have a better chance at getting right. If your exam includes a written part, it’s up to you on how to format it. I usually like to do the ones I know I’ll do better on and get it out of the way. Other people do the opposite and go for the harder ones first. Take time now to make a plan on how you will approach the exam, by figuring out which way works best for you. Figuring out your plan now will save time when you are in the exam and will help you use your time most effectively.
Answer Every Question
Don’t ever leave a question blank on the AP exam. There is no penalty for guessing/wrong answers, so use that to your advantage. Even if you have no idea what the answer is, put something down for either the multiple-choice or written portion. Maybe you can guess the answer or pull some points somewhere. A few points are better than none.
Stay Positive
Both in the exam and leading up to it, stay positive! Remember that a score on an AP exam doesn’t define you. These tests are hard, and just the fact that you are trying to take it should be something that you should be proud of. After the test, celebrate with your friends! Even if you think you got a 1, don’t worry about it, and celebrate all the hard work you put into your AP exams/classes.
