With Advanced Placement (AP) testing season quickly approaching, it is becoming increasingly important for students to find the most effective study method that will best support their learning. Everyone retains knowledge differently, meaning the best way to study can vary from person to person, and also depends on the subject one is studying for. Below we have assembled a collection of tips to help you revamp your study practices ahead of APs.
1. Plan it Out
For many, procrastination can be a common practice ahead of every other quiz or test, but it isn’t something that should be relied on during AP season. AP exams, known for their rigorous nature, contain a full year’s worth of college-level content and for students who plan to take more than one exam, starting early and laying out a study plan is crucial. It is important to look at the curriculum as a whole and create a schedule for how and when you are going to study for each subject.
“I found this approach effective as it allowed me to concentrate fully on one subject at a time and prioritize my studying while making sure I thoroughly prepared for each test,” senior Wendy Cao said.
When planning, make sure your study schedule is evenly distributed and allow extra time for the subjects you know you struggle with most.
2. Take Advantage of Your Resources
Resources are abundant, both digital and analog, available for students to use when studying, and one of the best ones is your teachers. Throughout the weeks leading up to AP tests, students can utilize Office Hours or extra class time to ask their teachers questions about course material. Some teachers offer additional study periods and resources to supplement student learning. Make sure to look through any study guides or AP practice tests and note down general advice teachers have as these resources can minimize time spent searching for similar materials online. Senior Vanessa Man describes the resources she utilized while studying for her AP Chemistry exam last spring.
“Mr. Brighton holds after-school review sessions,” Man said. “They are very helpful and allow you to practice for the test, so [I] definitely [recommend attending] them.”
Additionally, online resources such as Khan Academy, practice tests and digital textbooks are viable free-of-charge alternatives students can access.
3. Practice
Without a doubt, working through AP practice tests can be extremely beneficial for studying because they not only help you recall concepts that are likely to appear on the exam but also provide an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the AP testing format.
Practice tests also allow students to get acclimated to the notoriously long test-taking periods. One of the most difficult parts about taking these College Board exams is endurance, especially when these tests cover such a wide scope of information. By allocating the same timing for each section as that of exam day, completing practice tests intermittently throughout your studying will prepare you for the tiring testing process.
4. Take Care of Your Mental Health
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that with all of the stress of AP exams, your strengths will shine through regardless of what score you receive.
“You need to remember that these are just tests . . . they do not define who you are or where you are going in life,” AP Physics teacher Mr. Tim Smay said. “Study and do your best, but then be happy knowing that you did your best, regardless of the outcome.”
Additionally, while studying, it is important to take care of your mental health: leave ample time for breaks and relaxation, even when there is a lot to review.
“I focused on self-care activities like getting some fresh air outside, going for a walk or simply moving around and stretching,” Cao said.
It is also important to receive enough sleep, not only for your health but also to maintain your focus. These reminders may seem obvious, but as AP season approaches, it can be easy to sacrifice your mental and physical health under stress.
While studying for these tests can sometimes feel like an insurmountable goal, remember to take it one step at a time and study in a balanced manner. Try your best to cover the central lessons you have learned throughout the year and find systems that make work sustainable for you. Trust in your preparation and you will find that when it is ultimately time to enter that testing room, your abilities will be able to guide you in the right direction.
