With AP testing coming up in May, many students are beginning to study. Depending on the college, passing can mean college credit. These exams may seem intimidating, but with proper preparation and studying, they can be manageable.
Begin studying early in order to allot enough time for each unit. “You truly are best served starting [studying] at least a month in advance… especially the things from earlier in the year,” says Gabriel Rettaliata, AP Biology Teacher. “Because let’s be honest– September, October, November – those can feel like a long time ago.”
Practice, practice, practice, by completing practice AP style multiple choice questions and FRQs. College Board/AP Classroom is one valuable resource. It contains practice multiple choice questions with detailed feedback, FRQs, and short instructional videos. “If your teacher doesn’t really use [the multiple choice questions on Collegeboard], see if you can talk to them about finding a way to get access to those,” says Rettaliata.
There are plenty of other available resources such as YouTube (and live youtube review sessions), Khan Academy, Fiveable, Kahoot, Quizlet, and Princeton Review books. Review books can be found at the Skyline Library (AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP US History, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Macroeconomics/Microeconomics, AP Physics 1) and at the AADL Library.
Practice exams, found in Princeton review books, are another great way to study. “Mock exams… get [you in] the mindset… do it in the time limit…. Don’t check your answer in between sections,” says Grace Yao (‘24), who is an AP Scholar With Honors. “Just take the test straight like you would normally and then check afterwards.”
Pay attention in class and know the content. “I do a lot of dump sheets where I write down all the content standards for the whole exam,” says Leela Aiyagari (‘24), who has scored 4s and 5s on multiple exams. “Then I go in with another color with a guide next to me, and I fill in what I missed. And that’s what I know I need to go back and study because that’s what I can’t recall.”
Make sure to study actively, such as by taking notes when watching videos or annotating text. “I see a lot of students– sometimes, they’ll be doing their work and in the background they got another tab open,” says Nick Lacy, Skyline College and Career Coordinator. “They may be doing two or three other things while ‘studying,’ so eliminate the distractions, [and] focus in on the college board videos.”
Your own AP class and teacher will also have resources. “Review your old tests from that AP class, and ask your AP teacher if they have any extra materials,” says Lacy.
Every person learns differently. “Figure out what works best for you,” says Rettaliata, “and stick with it.”
