If you are walking the halls and see some of your friends a little more stressed than usual, it might be because they are preparing to take their AP exams! From AP Calc to APUSH, students from all over the country are studying for the big tests. To help you prepare, Sophie Figueroa ’26, Michaela Watson ’26, Maddie Lambros ’26 and Phoebe Zhang ‘27 have offered their own tips and advice on conquering these exams.
- Use online resources
From AP Classroom to Khan Academy, there are great tools online to help you prepare for exams. Sophie advises everyone to, “use AP Classroom, whether that be the daily videos or the practice MCQs and FRQs.” You can also always find a good Quizlet or YouTube video to explain any topic.
- Put your phone away
If you are constantly distracted by your phone, try putting your phone in another room or powering it off. Michaela shares, “I always have to put my phone on DND or turn on screen time, so I don’t get distracted by notifications; it helps the time go by when I’m not constantly checking my phone.” Eliminating distractions can help you focus on the content you are studying.
- Start earlier than you think
Exams are coming up faster than you think, so be sure to start studying as soon as you can! Phoebe explains, “It’s better to start studying early, even if you think you have plenty of time to spare.” Don’t let the days pass you by without studying a little each day.
- Simplify your content
Maddie’s favorite way to study is to make one-pagers with helpful information for each unit: “Keep the information brief and simple, use pictures, charts and colors to organize your thoughts. I was not trying to relearn everything but simplify it.” Keeping your content concise will definitely lead you down a successful path.
- Change your environment
Studying in your room doesn’t always see the best results. Try going to a library or different place in your house. Michaela explains, “I definitely suggest getting out of your room! I like to study at my kitchen table or at a library. Being in a different environment can help trick your brain into thinking you have to lock-in, so you don’t get tired being in the same place you sleep.”
- Teach someone else
Being able to articulate the material to someone else is a great way to refresh your mind and clear any confusion. Phoebe agrees, stating, “I recommend getting familiar with the format of your exam and explaining the lessons you have trouble with to your friends, family, or even pets. If you can teach it clearly, then you should understand the information.” If the student becomes the master, then you are sure to get 5s on your exams.
- Take breaks
Taking healthy breaks between sections or topics can give your mind a well-deserved time for rest. This includes sleeping well! Sophie gives her perspective: “I prepare for my AP exams by getting lots of sleep, eating balanced and nutritious meals and allowing myself to still have fun and be a human.” It’s important to take care of yourself and not let AP exams overwhelm your life.
- Stay calm; you got this!
Remember to breathe and relax during your exam. This time can be very stressful, but remember that you are more capable that you might believe. Maddie has found this last tip to be especially important in her own experience: “Stay calm, breathe and understand that there is something you learned at some point that you can use on the exam. I am a really anxious test taker, so AP exams over the years have taught me to stay calm under pressure and be able to use any and all information I can recall.” That random fact in the back of your mind might be more useful than you think!
Whether this year marks your first AP exams or your last, be sure to take these pieces of advice to heart when preparing for exams. You know more than you think you do. Maddie shares one last thought, saying, “Scores do not define you whatsoever; you can’t be disappointed or wish you could change anything, knowing you gave it your all.” Go into that exam room with confidence and knowledge. You got this!
