AP tests are fast approaching. This year, they start on May 7th and span until May 18th. For those of you who don’t have APs, this means another two, normal weeks. For those of us who unfortunately elected to take AP courses, it means the next two weeks will be full of studying, pulling all nighters, and last minute review sessions. Although many Whitney Young students take AP classes, it seems that many lack effective, healthy study habits. Here are a few tips for helpful AP test preparation.

1. Be Realistic: This is more of a preventative tip, because it applies when deciding what AP classes you will be taking next year. Make sure to be realistic about what you can and want to handle. Allison Mitola 18’ says that “[she] is only taking one AP, so there is less stress.” Being honest with yourself about your priorities can save yourself from high stress levels during AP testing.
2. Pace Yourself: In reality, last minute cramming isn’t really helpful- it stresses you out, takes away from your precious sleep, and the info doesn’t really stick in your mind. Haley Wellman 18’, says that “[she] tries not to wait until the last minute to study.” Make sure that you are doing a little bit at a time. Create a strict schedule that says you will study for 30-45 minutes a day, focusing each session on a specific topic. This way, it is easier to remember the information in smaller sections.
3. Use All Your Resources: Make sure you are taking advantage of all of the resources available to you. At Whitney Young, we have a wide variety of resources available to us, including the writing center, math center, and Shmoop. If you want help or feedback, take the time to go and ask questions, have someone review your practice tests. Of course, if you are unsure about a topic, make sure to ask your teacher for clarification. Ask your instructors if they are having additional review sessions outside of class that you can attend, or ask a past student to tutor you. Taking advantage of all your resources will be extremely helpful in getting feedback and help.
4. Be Prepared: Everyone says this, but make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your test day. Have your number two pencils ready and make sure to get to the testing room 10-15 minutes before the test begins.

If you follow these 4 tips, you will do great on the AP test. Good luck with your tests!