How to Study for AP Exams
What you’ll learn
- Learn when and how to study for any AP test
- Learn what to bring to an AP exam
- Learn the best AP test tips and tricks
What you’ll learn
Advanced Placement (AP) courses, developed to mirror a comparable introductory college course, are a great way to prepare for college. If you choose to take the optional AP exam, you may even save on tuition by earning college credits. The exams, hosted by the College Board and offered each May, will test you on the information presented in your AP course throughout the year.
About 1 in 5 students are taking AP classes to prepare for college. If you’re one of those students, congratulations! You’re already on your way to developing (and putting into motion) your plan to pay for college.
The benefits of taking an AP exam are significant. With nearly 40 AP courses in seven subject areas, the accompanying exams provide a huge opportunity for high school students to set themselves apart on college applications, earn college credits, and potentially skip introductory courses in college. College Board research showed that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time (which can translate to a cost savings for an additional year of tuition).
The exams are scored with a range from 1-5, 5 being the equivalent to an A, 4 to a B, etc. Exam scores of a 3, 4, or 5 will fulfill admission requirements for many colleges and universities, while a score of 2 or below is considered ‘not passing’ and will not count toward your college credits.
There is a fee required to take the exam (around $95, more if you take what’s considered a ‘late exam’ outside of the 2-week window in early May, less if you qualify for fee reductions). If you didn’t necessarily thrive in the course, and don’t have confidence that you could pass the exam, it might be best to hold off until you’re feeling more prepared.
First thing first: when are AP exams? AP exam dates are typically held through the first two weeks in May. Your teacher or counselor will be able to notify you of when and where you should expect to report for the test.
If you’re about halfway through the school year (let’s say January or February), then it’s time to ask yourself: do I want to take the AP exam? If the answer is yes (or even maybe), it’s time to start studying.
Here are 7 AP test prep practices to help you study for your exam:
AP exams aren’t like the tests and quizzes you take at school, meaning you can’t show up with a backpack full of books, papers, and highlighters. Be sure to study up on what your specific exam will allow, but the following guidelines are good starters:
Yes! Bring me!
No, better not.
Maybe…
Jaivyance Gillard, Santa Fe, Texas: “Stay focused, ask questions, and join an online resource that can help prepare and cover the material for the exam.”
Thanh Le, Salt Lake City, Utah: “When you’re studying, use the Pomodoro Technique to alleviate fatigue. Study with (at most) 2 other people by teaching them through words and pictures. Make really odd acronyms, the more unique it is, the more likely you’ll remember it. On test day, don’t wear sweats or comfy clothes because it’ll make you feel lazy and not want to finish the test.”
Ashley is a Sallie Mae employee and a graduate of Immaculata University. A mom of two young girls, her favorite dinner topic is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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