As the year comes to an end, AP teachers and students try to cram the last bits of material necessary to passing the AP exam. The long days of instruction, countless of hours of studying, and sleepless nights all for one test. Before you resort to pulling your hair out, just remember that other students are in the same situation as you.
The key to passing any exam is eating a healthy breakfast and getting enough sleep the night before. Many students tend to think that they will stay up to study as much as they can before the night of the AP exam. Some review before going to bed is fine, but keeping yourself up will only make you more tired for the test and cause you to lose focus during the exam. The lack of sleep from the previous night will cause you to rush in the morning and skip breakfast. On an empty stomach it is impossible to think, and this will result in a low grade on the AP exam.
Simarjit Kaur, a senior at PitmanHigh School stated, “The day before my AP final I thought it would be a good idea to stay up and study as much as i could, but during the test i regretted my decision tremendously. I was falling asleep during the first half of instructions. Sleep is necessary!”
It is impossible to remember a year’s worth of instruction over one night. Starting from the first day of the class find a study method that works best for you, normally students can tell after the first test in their AP class. Each individual has their own method of studying, for some flashcards are the answer while for others they rather recite the question and answer it out loud to themselves multiple times until they grasp the concept. Take each concept one step at a time. Rushing is not ever the answer; you will only stress yourself and forget what you had just learned.
Many times students work better in groups. Arrange to meet once or twice a week to review a section of the material each meeting, This will allow you to ask questions on the concepts you may not understand as well as others and also allow you to teach students a lesson they may not understand, giving yourself the opportunity to refresh your mind as well.
Anjali Badesha, freshman at PitmanHigh School stated, “I feel I do better when I study in groups for any exam, so for anyone taking the AP exam I would highly recommend forming a group to study.”
While taking the test, take deep breaths and do not spend too long on questions. Remember that the test is timed and you want to get as many done as possible. Pace yourself on each section of the exam. Stressing over one question will only cause you to lose time. Skip questions that do not make sense and if time permits come back to them at the end.
Remina Wahid, a former student of PitmanHigh School stated, “Over the course of my years at PitmanHigh School I learned that taking a test requires patience. If you pace yourself you will get the grade you are aiming for.”
Take these tips into consideration and you can earn the grade you’re aiming for on the AP exam. Eating a healthy breakfast, studying, and pacing yourself on the day of the exam will almost guarantee you the score you hope for.