The applications for AP exams were due Feb 25, and as the months near May, students are beginning to crack open their AP prep books and think about how to best prepare for the exams they have signed up for.
“This is my first year taking an AP exam,” Eileen Huang, sophomore, said. “I am taking the AP Euro exam and I am worried because I want to get a 5.”
Sarah Elliot, senior, has taken 5 AP exams and received a score of 5 or 4 on each one.
Elliot said she starts studying a few weeks before the exam, but does not recommend that students study too early due to his fear that the information will not be retained.
“I study hardcore the weekend before the exam which is when I get the bulk of the information covered,” Elliot said. “However, if somebody has struggled in class they should definitely start studying earlier and really work through the AP prep books.”
Elliot warns students that it is hard to balance studying with schoolwork as well and said that AP prep books are a great alternative to reading through dense textbook chapters.
A number of companies offer detailed preparation books students can use to accompany an AP course or use as a last minute study tool. The Princeton Review preparation book, for example, features 2 full length practice tests and a comprehensive review of all material covered in the course.
“I make sure I look over the general review and practice questions in my prep book,” Elliot said. “The subject matter of the questions often appears on the actual exam.”
Amy Doyle, history teacher, advises that students take advantage of Spring Break as a time to start reviewing past material and determine what areas they are weakest in.
“I teach AP European History, and I tell my students that if they haven’t already started using their Barron’s or Princeton review books, they should definitely start over Spring Break,” Doyle said.
Doyle said that students have a tendency to cram in the material a week before the exam, but stresses that the most effective manner to retain the maximum amount of information is studying consistently over an extended period of time.
“AP exams, especially when taken in bulk can be an extremely stressful experience,” Doyle said.
Regardless, students and teachers agree that performing well on an exam can result in valuable college credit and an upper hand in the college application process.
Guidelines vary between colleges, but a passing score on an exam can often allow students to test out freshman classes and required credit courses.
“Colleges are very impressed when students score 5s and 4s on the AP exams,” Doyle said. “It proves to them that a student is ready to succeed in a college course.”