May is coming up quickly. It is the time of year when many students in Advanced Placement (AP) courses take their AP exams. After a full year of learning in class, some students feel that studying for these tests is not as necessary as others say. However, once April hits, teachers in every department begin asking students how much they have been studying.
Whether it is your first AP test or you have taken several before, many students find themselves cramming for these high-stakes exams that can determine whether they receive college credit for the course.
Have you been studying? Do you feel prepared? If your answer was “no” to either of those questions, it is time to get started. In just one week, here is how you can prepare yourself and aim for a top score on these national exams.
Day 1: Practice quizzes
To understand what you need to study, start by taking a practice quiz. This will help identify which sections and topics you fully understand and which ones need more work. Write down any topics that confuse you and continue practicing them. Even if you feel confident in certain areas, that does not mean you should stop reviewing them.
Day 2: Review old notes
Once you have identified what to study, go back and review your notes. This can refresh your memory on topics that may have slipped your mind. Reread your notes carefully and revisit any information you still do not understand. Use study tools such as flashcards or study guides to help organize your thoughts.
Day 3: Use AP Classroom
Your teacher may have already mentioned it, but AP Classroom has a wide range of helpful resources. Provided by the College Board, the site includes videos, example problems, multiple-choice questions, and practice writing prompts that you can access at any time. While teachers often assign practice throughout the year, this resource remains available whenever you need it.
Day 4: Practice problems
If you need additional help with certain units, explore other study platforms. Websites like Quizlet and Albert.io offer targeted practice for specific topics. Many of these resources also explain why certain answers are incorrect, helping you understand common mistakes and avoid them in the future.
Day 5: Watch study videos
Almost every AP subject has helpful content on YouTube. Whether you are studying AP European History or AP Statistics, there is likely a channel that breaks down the material into manageable sections. Some creators, such as Heimler’s History, even host live sessions where you can ask questions in real time. From general overviews on CrashCourse to in-depth explanations from Khan Academy, there are many videos to support your studying.
Popular AP study channels include:
- Heimler’s History (AP History courses)
- The Organic Chemistry Tutor (AP Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus)
- Coach Hall Writing (AP English Language and Literature)
- Bozeman Science (AP Biology and Environmental Science)
- Marco Learning (various AP subjects)
Day 6: Retake practice quizzes
Retaking practice quizzes allows you to track your progress. Compare your results and identify which questions you missed both times. This can help you determine what you have improved on and what still needs work. If you continue to miss certain questions, go back and analyze them to understand where you went wrong.
Day 7: Rest
The most important thing to do before your exam is to rest. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and try to stay calm. Staying up all night studying can leave you tired during the exam, which may cause you to miss questions you would otherwise know.
Studying only a week before an exam is not ideal, but it happens. Time can get away from you, leaving you trying to prepare as best as possible in a short period. Do not stress too much. Study what you can and focus on doing your best.
Whether you are preparing for AP exams, Keystone tests, or final exams, you have got this!
