AP Exams: How to Study Efficiently and Effectively

Apr 13

Apr 13 AP Exams: How to Study Efficiently and Effectively

Photo from Ivy Wise.

Bronwyn Rhoades

It’s that time of year again- students across the globe are reviewing everything they have learned in the hopes of passing their AP exams. These tests are especially stressful to students who wish to earn college credit for their hard work. Passing an AP exam gives students an opportunity to potentially save hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Most of the time, colleges will not award credit to those who earn below three of these exams, making an already stressful ordeal much more high-stakes. But fret not! With these tried and true testing techniques, you’re sure to earn that esteemed passing score.

Start studying now! Cramming–especially late at night before an exam, has been proven to be less beneficial than traditional, long-term studying. According to sciencedaily.com, the body will not function to its full capacity with less than seven hours of sleep. Failing to attain these vital hours can inhibit one’s ability to recall information during these tests. Cramming may be beneficial in the short-term, but studying in smaller increments can help you completely comprehend and remember information more accurately on an exam.
Try different study methods. With the SQ3R involves steps to recalling information, starting with Surveying information, then moving on to Questioning, Reading, Reciting, and finally, Reviewing. The Pomodoro technique involves a long period of focused study, followed by a shorter break, and then repeating. This might look like 25 minutes of studying with a 5 minute break, but one can adjust times to best fit their schedule and learning style. The Leitner system involves boxes of informational cards that need to be learned. Starting in the first box, choose a card. If you get the term/question right, move the card into the box to the right. If you get it wrong, move it into the box to the left. Then, study the boxes on the left more often and the more well-known terms less often. This prioritizes studying unfamiliar terms. Find which method works best for you and study away!
Exercise before studying. Studies have shown that exercise before studying boosts focus and energy, which is vital to recall information. This activity does not need to be rigorous- it could be a walk around the block, yoga, or a quick fifteen minute workout. Physical activity causes blood to flow in the brain and improves mood.
Organize your notes and study materials. It can be difficult to focus and study effectively if you are wasting time shuffling through your notes looking for a term or subject. Making note cards, using tabs, and labeling subjects can reduce the time wasted searching for information. Color-coding and using pictures/diagrams in your notes can make different subjects more easy to identify.
Take practice tests! AP exams cover a great amount of cumulative material. Taking a practice test can help you assess which subjects you still need to study and which you can spend less time on. Time is of utmost importance when studying, so focusing on topics that you know you need to work on can reduce the amount of time needed to learn information and make studying more engaging.
Study in groups. Having a partner or group to study with can be greatly beneficial to truly understanding information. Not only can you ask for aid to fully comprehend sections of material in which you are insecure, you can also help others understand material. Studies have shown that teaching is an effective way to study and remember information. Furthermore, groups involve multiple people to keep each other focused and on-task.
Place your phone and other distractions in another room. It can be easy to check your phone because of one notification and get lost for thirty minutes scrolling through social media. By placing your device in a different room, you are giving yourself an opportunity to stay focused for longer, more effective periods of time.
Allow yourself to have a break. Relentless studying can cause burnout, which can result in a student giving up before they reach their true potential. Take a break and do something to destress and get your mind off of testing. When you return, you will likely be more energized and more focused.

AP testing can cause intense worry in students. Stress can cause lack of sleep, headaches, stomach pains, and many more serious health effects. By using these study techniques, students have the potential to reduce the amount of time they use to study the same amount of information. Additionally, this information will be comprehended more accurately and efficiently, thus reducing stress and worry caused by these difficult exams. Good luck to every student who is currently preparing for exams!