The light from the sun slowly disappears from your room. All of your notebooks are sprawled out on the floor. Your highlighter has run out of ink, your desk is covered in pencil marks. Where is consumer surplus? What does the golgi apparatus do? When did the Mongols conquer China? Your mind spins in a million different directions. You wake up, in a cold sweat.
If I used one word to describe AP tests, it would be complicated. The AP testing structure exists to test students on the main ideas of a course in a comprehensive way. The best way to avoid having a nightmare experience is by studying!
Throughout high school I have taken a lot of AP tests. If there is one thing all of the tests have in common is that you have to start studying for them earlier than you expect. I know what’s running through your mind, I’ll study during spring break, but as your friendly neighborhood senior it’s my job to tell you that this will not give you enough time!
There are a few important things that I have figured out from taking AP tests, that I am sharing with you.
Figure out a study plan
A study plan is going to tell you when and what to study. If you’re taking multiple AP tests this year I would say dedicate one day per subject. The key is to start in small increments to avoid getting overwhelmed or burnt out. Studying for 30 minutes a day will help you tremendously in the long run. The best way to study all depends on what type of learner you are: verbal, visual, or kinesthetic. Taking the time to test out different learning methods will tell you the most productive way to study.
Look at the AP website to see the most tested topics
If you haven’t logged in to AP classroom since the first quarter, this is your sign to do so. Go into AP classroom and go to “course guide” look through these topic names and watch a few videos. Another great thing is to look at the released AP test, this will give you a great idea on what to expect.
Try to teach the topic
One of the ways I’ve found helpful to study is by teaching. Teaching someone else information will help you understand what you kinda know, versus really know. I would say hone in on the topics that you are really struggling with or that you learned a long time ago. Reviewing the content to teach it, will help you view the information in a new way. Also if you really want to absorb the information, ask the people who have graciously agreed to be your “students” to ask you questions.
Make sure you’re asking your teacher questions
You have to ask your teacher when you have a question, and I mean in person, while you’re learning the information. Trust it from someone who has taken a lot of AP tests, the best time to learn the information is in class. I know that you may feel self-conscious about asking questions in class, but I’m going to tell you a hard truth: the only person that suffers is you.
AP testing seasoning can be a stressful time, so make sure that you are preparing sooner rather than later.
