AP exams are coming up fast and the stress is high, but do not worry even with all the stress because by forming good study habits now, you will be sure to achieve success by May. There are many simple yet effective ways to enhance your knowledge before the big test.
First, if you just reread notes over and over again it may feel productive, but in reality it can just be a boring and dull rerun in your brain without any information actually sticking or processing.
Using more effective ways such as flashcards, practice questions and even reviewing out loud to yourself or peers can be extremely helpful.
Zoe Vovan (12) commented, “Spread your studying out over multiple days because each subject has a lot of information to cover.”
Starting with your weakest subject can exponentially influence your studying habits. Focusing on what you don’t know first will pay off on test day by learning and knowing what’s difficult.
Studying by increments helps retain the information as well as giving yourself time to fully absorb all the newly learned and previously relearned information. A good tip is to start studying weeks in advance especially if you have many exams to take.
Vovan also said, “If your AP classroom has a way to practice FRQs and MCQs or such, use it”.
Most AP classes have lessons and practice tests on a website called “AP classroom” where they have so many resources to use such as instructional videos and practice tests that help significantly.
Using a practice test can be a real game changer where you can time yourself and improve more.
Hallie Lewengrub (12) shared, “Studying for exams can be hard but practicing is key especially when trying to retain the information you can try teaching the subject to a family member or even a pet it really helps.”
One huge tip is to not underestimate sleep. Sleep is very important for a good exam day even on days you are just studying sleep is important in retaining information. Being well rested can help your focus and memory.
A nutritious diet is a very important part of studying as well. Eating a healthy meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner effectively helps retain information. Right before the exam a good healthy breakfast greatly improves your performance.
Another great tip is to form a small study group with friends that are in the same classes as you. Studying together can ease the stress of studying in general by making it more fun but still effective. Comparing notes and quizzing each other on subjects you all have learned may help each other on the subjects that are difficult. Meeting a couple times a week for an hour could greatly improve study habits as well as making it way less overwhelming.
AP exams can be stressful but taking each day slowly and learning the subject at a slower pace with more in depth studying will exponentially improve your ability to take that exam and crush your AP test!
