Feature: How to be prepared for Future AP Testing?
Sections:
1. What to know about AP Exams?
2. Importance of Early preparation
3. How should I actually study?
What to know about the AP Exam structure?
Whether you’ve already taken an AP (Advanced Placement) exam or will be doing so next year, it’s important to know what kind of exam you’re actually taking. AP Exams are standardized tests that require ALL individuals that are taking the test to answer the same questions under the same conditions and to be scored in a predetermined, standard manner. AP Exams are considered as a standardized test since they’re created and graded by College Board, not by regular teachers or schools.
These exams are also taken on a specific day. For example, if someone is taking AP Literature and composition this year, it’s expected for them to take the exam on May 7th. This also applies to next year or any future exam you’re taking, it’s expected to take that exam on that scheduled day–these exams are usually taken in the month of May.
These exams do not affect or define your performance. Unlike a regular exam, if you select the wrong answer, you don’t get any points duct off, nothing just happens. It’s still good to leave an answer–even if you’re unsure, remember, there’s no penalty for wrong answers, you might receive partial credit so don’t leave anything blank. All responses count.
Importance of Early Preparation
Early Preparation is extremely important for every AP students. The more you start preparing for the kind of AP test you’ll be taking in May, the better you may perform on the exam. To be more precise, doing early preparation could lead to better understanding of the overall content with less stress involved. It’s especially important to start preparing if you’re taking a half a semester course (fast paced).
Stress and anxiety is reduced from early prep, compared to those who rush through and try to study the course in one week before the exam, or even one day. Cramming isn’t recommended and does not work well for any AP exams, unless you’re dedicated and determined to review the material, but otherwise, cramming isn’t the best option. Cramming could lead to stress and burnout, and with the little information learnt, you could possibly forget about it once it’s time to take the actual exam.
The best approach to be ready for the AP exam is to start early and also doing self-care for yourself. Self-care is an effective crucial part of early preparation through helping you be the best version of yourself when taking the test. Try not to put any pressure on yourself or draw comparisons, and rather just be kind to yourself. Make sure to get a good night’s rest and be sure to eat a good meal before taking off for the test. Try your best and remember that scores do not define what you’re capable of doing.
How Should I Actually study?
How should you actually study for the AP Exam? This may be a hard one, since there is a lot of review to refer back to and study at once. This last section will try to provide you with studying strategies so you can have an idea of how to improve your studying on your AP courses.
The Active recall method could be a strategy used to study for the AP exam. As Heimler mentioned in his video, this method requires your own work and input. You actually would need to take your own notes and reformulate in your own words so you can actually remember and know what you’re writing. This method could help you with memory so you don’t have to rely on always checking your notes frequently.
Practicing regularly is another beneficial study technique for the AP exam. You must again understand the structure of your AP course and how it will run, since every AP course is different. To break down the stress, always refer back to helpful study sources that cover your specific AP course. Heimler’s History’s is an example, as his channel covers mostly all AP History related courses or ask your AP teachers for more guidance and sources they could provide for you. Good luck future AP Testers!
