AP tests begin today and run through next week. Need some last-minute study advice? We’ve got you covered.
Make a Study Routine
The AP test covers almost nine months of instructional time. That’s a lot of curriculum to review, in addition to familiarizing yourself with the test format and taking practice tests. However, try not to feel overwhelmed! Remember, you’re not learning all this information for the first time- you’re reviewing it, and you likely already know your weakest areas.
Make a study schedule based on the time you have left and stick to the routine. Spend 20 minutes a night or cover a chapter every two days.
Remember, the sooner you start reviewing, the more flexibility you have to make sure you’re at your most confident and informed by the test day.
Use Review Materials
If you’re enrolled in an AP class, chances are your teacher is familiar with the AP Test and has been working to prepare you over the course of the year. However, it’s beneficial to have a curriculum review book, which can fill in any gaps, and provide a standardized look at what’s on the test.
The books, which you can easily download, typically also say what proportion of information from each section will be on the test. This is key because it allows you to budget and prioritize your studying based on how many points you’d earn on each section and in each area of curriculum.
If you’re unable to go purchase a review book, a little Googling can go a long way- there are tons of resources online! Just make sure you’re using a reputable source to study, and not some random kid’s flashcards on Quizlet which could contain errors.
Know the Format of the Test
Because of Covid 19, AP tests will be offered remotely and will no longer include multiple choice questions. Most of the AP tests will consist of one 25-minute and one fifteen-minute essay question. The English and History tests will be just one question each. All of the tests are open-book but will ask questions that require critical thinking, documentation and analysis. For more information about each of the specific tests, go to the College Board’s website here!
You are allowed to type your responses on a computer or tablet or handwrite responses and take a picture. The College Board does recommend that for the English and History tests students type responses, but subjects like math and chemistry might be easier for some students hand-written. If you are unsure which method will work better for you, practice both and see what feels more comfortable. Looking for tips on how to best approach an open book/open note test? The College Board has some words of wisdom for you here.
Organize Your Notes
All of the tests are open-book this year, which means that organizing your notes ahead of time could make a big difference! Know yourself and what method of organization (highlighters, post-it notes, section tabs) works best for you. Looking for some tips on how to organize your notes, check out the College Board’s list here.
Take a Practice Test
Another benefit of getting a review book is that they likely include practice tests. However, you can also get practice tests for free on the College Board website.
There are a few reasons why taking a practice test is a good idea. First of all, it will help you work out your timing and put your test-taking strategies into practice. Secondly, it will reduce your anxiety on test day, because you’ll be familiar with the process. Thirdly, grading a practice test can give you key insights to your weaknesses. When you take the practice test, be sure to focus on time management. Spend about 20% of the time brainstorming and outlining the answer to a question before you begin writing.
Use a Study Group (Virtually, that is)
Study groups can be a fun way to review curriculum and shake up your study routine. Your whole AP class is likely taking the same AP exam as you are- take advantage of the fact you’re all in this together and try to learn from each other. Talk through testing formats, quiz each other, and make it fun- but be careful not to get too wrapped up in topics that proportionally have little likelihood to be on the test.
A word of caution: Don’t rely on a study group to prepare you for the test alone. But after you’ve done your initial solo studying, try getting friends together over Zoom and playing a trivia game, run through flash cards together, or ask for clarifications. Teaching others is also a great way to test your own comprehension of the curriculum as well and will help you memorize and retain information.
Relax
It’s test day. Trust that you’ve reviewed what you need to know. Don’t spend the morning cramming, instead eat breakfast, listen to some music, meditate, do whatever helps you get into the zone.
Take a deep breath- you studied, and you’re going to do your best, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters. Good luck!
