The Final Crunch: Preparing for AP Exams
As the school year winds down, studying ramps up. Not only is this a time for final exams, but also for Advanced Placement (AP) exams for those students enrolled in college-level courses. This can create an added layer of stress because of the pressure to do well. A score of a four or five can allow students to earn college credits for the work they’ve done and knowledge they’ve obtained. Some colleges will grant credit for a score of three as well. But earning high marks requires preparation and hard work.
How Are AP Exams Structured?
Generally final exams are created by your teacher and can vary from one class to the next. AP exams are created by the College Board and all students take the same test. A student taking AP Psychology in North Carolina is expected to know the same information as a student taking the class in California. In addition, everyone takes the test on the same day.
These timed exams are generally between two and three hours long, and they contain both multiple choice and free response questions. The content spans everything that was taught throughout the year. It is a good idea to review your course curriculum to get a better feel for the major topics covered in the exam. You can also look on the College Board website for a breakdown of each test including key areas of focus, the number of questions in each section, and how long you have to finish the exam.
Studying for Advanced Placement Tests
It is a good idea to start reviewing materials early. You don’t want to be cramming at the last minute and panicking about whether you’ve covered everything. Go section by section. You may have to spend more time focusing on information you learned earlier in the year versus what you are learning now.
Engage in active studying. Don’t waste your time simply re-reading the text over and over again. The more you read it, the more you may zone out. Keep your brain engaged by making flashcards, writing outlines based on what you remember, summarizing a concept in your own words, or teaching the material to someone else.
Review old tests. Use old quizzes and tests to see what important information was covered and what questions you got incorrect. Learn from your mistakes and make sure you know what the correct answers are. Past exams can also be a great source of content for your flashcards.
Create a schedule. Your brain can only process and retain so much information at a time. Decide how long you are going to study and what topics or sections you will cover each day. As you review, pay attention to what questions you can quickly answer correctly versus those which you struggle with. Dedicate more time to the content you are less familiar with.
Brush up on test taking strategies. You already know that the exam will be multiple choice and free response, so practice skills related to those types of questions. For instance, immediately crossing off answers you know are incorrect, or underlining keywords that will help you determine the answer. For free response questions, look at the College Board’s scoring guidelines to see how answers are evaluated and read sample responses. Practice writing within a certain time frame so you get a feel for how long you have to organize and convey your thoughts.
Work with a tutor. A tutor can help you focus on the content you’ll need to know for your AP exam and can reinforce your understanding of core concepts and formulas. They can provide constructive feedback, help you incorporate effective study skills and test taking strategies, and boost your confidence in your abilities. Plus, tutors are familiar with the exams and how you can best prepare to demonstrate what you have learned.
Crafting Scholars can create a customized plan to help you prepare for your AP exams and know what to expect when it comes to college-level testing. Contact us today to get started!
Originally published at https://craftingscholars.com on April 4, 2024.
