Guest Post: How to Survive AP Exams

The beginning of May is here, you know what that means: AP exams are upon us. For those that do not know, Advance Placement (AP) classes are rigorous college level courses that one can take in high school to earn college credit if they score a 3 or better on an AP national exam. Basically, if you take an AP class you’re a smarty with a party, except sometimes your party is non existent because your class is so much work. Here are my tips to help you bust out that 5 on your national exam!

1. Download an app: Basically if you go to the app store and type in the name of your AP class, several apps with practice questions will pop up that will help you practice. Who doesn’t like apps? This is convenient because you can whip out your phone and do a couple practice questions whenever you want: waiting in line at the store, when you’re in the car, whenever!

2. Make a study schedule: I’m sure you’ve heard this from every single teacher, but making a study schedule and sticking to it is a way to ensure you’re actually reviewing important information. Also remember, a little studying every day is better than no studying. Even if you can only contribute 30 minutes a day to reviewing a particular chapter is better than nothing at all.

3. Crash Course: Go to YouTube right now and type in Crash Course. If you are not familiar with Crash Course, you’re welcome, I just saved your life. Seriously though, Crash Course is both funny and informative; it teaches you key details you need to know in a casual, funny setting.

4. Treat Yo Self: Set up a reward system. For example, after you’ve studied for a few hours (and I mean actual studying, not going on Instagram every 2 minutes), go on an ice cream run, the piano, or draw a picture; whatever it is that makes you happy. That way when you’re studying you have an incentive to look forward to.  

5. Go to the library: The libraries are an underutilized resource in our community. It’s free, there are tons of  nooks and crannies for you to go sit and study, and most importantly, there is free Wi Fi. I choose to go to the library as much as possible because it’s quiet, and there are very few distractions; whenever I am at home I get easily distracted by my family, and cool stuff in my room, such as Netflix.

Good luck to everyone taking AP exams this Spring, may the multiple choice gods be in your favor! Remember, after you finish that exam the hard part is over - stay positive! If you have any other tips and tricks, feel free to comment; nerds have to have each others’ backs!