AP Test Studying Tips

By: Ashley Sawh

https://www.amadorvalleytoday.org/29767/news/around-the-campus/saving-money-and-studying-habits-why-even-seniors-should-take-ap-tests/#modal-photo)

As someone who’s taken AP classes and taken forever to start studying for them, here’s some AP test studying tips that not only work for studying for class tests and quizzes, but for the AP Test in May.

1. Know the exam format. Regardless of what AP test you are going to take, you should familiarize yourself with the layout of the questions, what type of questions you might get, and most importantly, how open ended questions are formatted. This allows you to allocate your time appropriately during the test, avoiding having to guess on answers at the end because you ran out of time

2. Have a study schedule: Having a study schedule can really help when it comes to preparing, even studying for a little bit a day helps. 

   1. Review almost everyday: reviewing the material often helps you retain it better. Keeping these sessions small and consistent help to avoid cramming at the last minute.

   2. Practicing under time constraints: Remember, for the AP test, there is a time constraint. This includes whatever open ended question(s) that you have along with the multiple choice. Practicing under a time constraint helps you reduce anxiety on test day. 

3. Using effective materials such as class notes and textbooks (including unit study guides and practice questions), AP prep books, and flash cards. Though, everyone learns differently, so some methods won’t work for everyone.

4. Using AP Classroom resources: Most students forget that AP Classroom (provided by College Board) provides things specifically for your curriculum.

5. Focus on your weak points: After studying, focus on the areas where you need the most help. 

6. Trying other study methods/habits. Most of the time when someone can’t study effectively, it’s their study methods that need to change. Don’t be afraid to try new study habits and techniques 

7. Use past practice exams found online 

   1. Barrons textbook (s): These can be found on Amazon 

   2. College Board

   3. AP Classroom 

8. Pace yourself. Finally, you should pace yourself to avoid panicking during the AP test. This also avoids rushing through questions that you don’t know the answer to.As someone who’s taken AP classes and taken forever to start studying for them, here’s some AP test studying tips that not only work for studying for class tests and quizzes, but for the AP Test in May.

   1. Know the exam format. Regardless of what AP test you are going to take, you should familiarize yourself with the layout of the questions, what type of questions you might get, and most importantly, how open ended questions are formatted. This allows you to allocate your time appropriately during the test, avoiding having to guess on answers at the end because you ran out of time

   2. Have a study schedule: Having a study schedule can really help when it comes to preparing, even studying for a little bit a day helps. 

      1. Review almost everyday: reviewing the material often helps you retain it better. Keeping these sessions small and consistent help to avoid cramming at the last minute.

      2. Practicing under time constraints: Remember, for the AP test, there is a time constraint. This includes whatever open ended question(s) that you have along with the multiple choice. Practicing under a time constraint helps you reduce anxiety on test day. 

   3. Using effective materials such as class notes and textbooks (including unit study guides and practice questions), AP prep books, and flash cards. Though, everyone learns differently, so some methods won’t work for everyone.

   4. Using AP Classroom resources: Most students forget that AP Classroom (provided by College Board) provides things specifically for your curriculum.

   5. Focus on your weak points: After studying, focus on the areas where you need the most help. 

   6. Trying other study methods/habits. Most of the time when someone can’t study effectively, it’s their study methods that need to change. Don’t be afraid to try new study habits and techniques 

   7. Use past practice exams found online 

      1. Barrons textbook (s): These can be found on Amazon 

      2. College Board

      3. AP Classroom 

   8. Pace yourself. Finally, you should pace yourself to avoid panicking during the AP test. This also avoids rushing through questions that you don’t know the answer to.