AP tests are important to a student’s academic journey. They measure the level of skill and knowledge that students have gained throughout the year for a specific AP course. But more than that, many colleges will recognize these AP scores as reflections of how well students understand the material. 

If students get a 3-4 on the test, depending on the college that they pursue, they can skip those courses after high school. Because of this, the significance of these tests are made very clear to students at the start of the year. 

So with that in mind, what experiences do students have with AP tests, what helped them to prepare, and what advice do they have for future participants?

One way that students prepare for the exam is utilizing their teachers as study tools in addition to class. 

Many AP teachers will help students study by hosting study sessions outside of class to make certain aspects of the test clearer and reteach any units that they have given over throughout the year. 

“I took 2 exams this year, AP Calculus AB and AP Lang,” junior Landon Cutrell said. “For Calculus, my teacher held review sessions in the morning before school.”

Other students made sure to study outside of school, while still being sure to utilize the notes that the teacher provided. Sophomore Max Burrus took AP Human Geography.

“To prepare for it, I studied mainly outside of class using public resources I found online in addition to the material Mr Holmes gave us,” Burrus said. 

In addition, some students used materials that they acquired themselves. 

“Out of class, I had a fat textbook which I used to study for AP Calculus, skimmed though that in the weeks up to the test,” junior Johnathan Summers said.

After the exams are all over, the tests aren’t graded until a few months later. This gives students plenty of time to think of what they did to prepare, but also to think of any advice they would have for people taking AP courses for the first time.

Junior Max Russell took the Precalc AP test. 

“I advise that you review all of your class material and possibly study with your teacher as well for at least a week before whichever AP test you’re taking,” Russell said.  “Study for like an hour the morning as well to freshen up everything right before the test.”

And as with any test, making sure you’re in the right place both physically and mentally can make all the difference. 

“As always, make sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast in the morning before the test,” Max said. “Believe in yourself and apply all the knowledge to the best of your ability on the exam; remember to take your time.”