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For many scholars, advanced placement (AP) exams are a hurdle to jump before joining in on summer vacation planning. AP Exams offer the opportunity to showcase mastery of college-level material and earn college credit.
It's important to take responsibility for preparing for these exams. You are showing your ability to succeed at a college level. You have to want that five! While it won’t be easy, you are never alone on this journey. Here are eight strategies for your roadmap:
1. Explore the College Board Website
The first step in successful AP exam preparation is setting up a College Board account.
Navigate to the AP section and find the “Courses & Exams” tab to locate your specific exam page.
Here, you can read about your course and the exam.
2. Mark Down Dates
Under the “About the Exam” tab, you can see the date of your exam, the length of time the exam will take, and the sections on your exam.
You will want to make sure to add your exam dates to your calendar and share this with family to help avoid any conflicts of events. Take time to start exploring the exam essentials, preparation guides, and examples.
You can also make sure you are registered and read about how to send your scores to colleges.
3. Use AP Classroom
Most instructors already have a course set for your class. If you aren’t sure, ask!
When you click on AP Classroom from the College Board website, you will see daily videos, practice questions, and a deeper exam breakdown.
Take advantage of the resources available on AP Classroom if you can. Engage with the interactive content and utilize the progress tracking features to monitor your performance and identify areas for improvement.
4. Find a Study Book
Invest in a comprehensive study book or review guide for each AP subject.
There are a few to choose from, so head to Amazon or any other bookstore to glance through a few to choose one that works for you. These books often include detailed explanations, practice questions, and full-length practice tests to help you familiarize yourself with the exam structure and content. Even if you use AP Classroom, a review book is a great additional tool.
5. Maximize the Time You Have
Time management is key when preparing for AP exams.
You can benefit from studying even if you only have a week. The AP Classroom and most review guides have practice exams to help identify weak points in your knowledge. That way you can spend time reviewing the concepts you need the most!
Take time while completing practice exams to familiarize yourself with the types of questions. Learn what helps you to read them thoroughly without getting anxious about the ticking clock. The more familiar you are, the better. Many AP Exams have multipart free-response questions that can be overwhelming the first time you see them. By experiencing the formats of the questions before the exam, you will be ready for anything.
6. Know When to Ask for Help
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. If you have identified a weak spot, reviewed it, and still don’t quite get it, reach out! Use resources such as teachers, tutors, study groups, and online forums to clarify doubts and deepen your understanding of course material. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can significantly enhance your exam preparedness. It also is the fastest way to learn something.
7. Prepare for Test Day
Minimize extra duties the days before and the day of your exam date.
Practice getting to the exam center, especially if it is not in the usual place where you attend class. Nothing is worse than worrying about being late for an exam because you are lost!
Make sure you read the rules of your exam, such as what type of calculator you can use, if you need an ID to enter and leave the testing area, etc.
8. Take a Break Before the Exam
In the days leading up to your AP exams, prioritize ensuring peak mental and physical condition.
Sleep well, eat nutritious meals, and engage in stress-relieving activities such as exercise. Avoid last-minute cramming and trust in your preparation leading up to this point. A well-rested and focused mind is your best asset during the exam.
Preparation is key to mastering any AP exam. There are many resources out there inside and outside your classroom to ensure you get that five! Remember to stay focused and organized and believe in your abilities. Good luck!