Students know that May and the weeks that lead up to it can be especially busy, with finals, school activities, and spring break plans instantly filling up their calendars. And if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of high school students who take AP classes each year, one event is likely taking a significant chunk of your time and focus—and it also happens to be right around the corner—the AP exams.

The Advanced Placement (AP) exams are an important part of the college admissions process. Students who take and pass AP exams can earn college credit for their work in high school, which can save them time and money. But preparing for these exams is a daunting task that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Particularly, when you have multiple exams to study for. And with only two months before testing begins, now is the time to buckle down and take getting ready for the AP exams much more seriously. With the right attitude, commitment, and studying strategies, you can be ready to take on the challenge of the AP exams. This article will show you how!

When Should You Start Getting Ready for the AP Exams?

For many things in life, preparing early is key to improving your chances of success. Taking the AP exams is no different. When it comes to getting ready for the AP exams, the earlier you start studying, the better prepared you are to get the best score possible. It's important to give yourself enough time to review all of the material and practice taking sample tests so that you can get comfortable with the format of the exam. Likewise, it's crucial to have a study plan so that you can stay organized and on track with your preparation.

It is recommended that students begin preparing for their AP exams at least two months before the test date. This gives you enough time to go over all the material you’ve covered, practice with sample tests, and review topics that may not be very clear to you. Taking advantage of your school’s resources can also help you with your preparation, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the types of support your school or teachers provide.

How Do You Study for Multiple AP Exams?

Getting ready for the AP exams can put a lot of pressure on students like you, even more so when you have several AP subjects on your plate. But with the right study plan and schedule, you can successfully tackle all your exams.

If you have several AP exams lined up, make sure that you focus on one subject at a time and not try to study for all of them simultaneously. The key is to create a study plan and break down the material into manageable chunks. This can help you ensure that you are spending enough time on each subject and retaining as much information as possible.

Creating a study schedule with specific goals and objectives will also help you stay organized and on track with your studies. To do so, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much time do you still have before the start of your exams?

• What time of the day are you most productive and focused on studying?

• How much time or days per week do you need to devote to your exam preparations?

Once you have answered these questions, you can start planning your study calendar. Be as specific as possible—assign a particular time and day of the week for one subject—and at the same time, make sure that your study plan is practical and something that you can actually stick to. Taking regular breaks during your study sessions is also crucial to keep your mind fresh and focused.

5 Helpful Tips When Getting Ready for the AP Exams

Studying for tests as important as the AP exams can be a challenging and stressful process for many students. It takes a lot of commitment, hard work, and strategic planning. To help you kickstart your AP exams prep, we rounded up some helpful tips on how to study effectively and manage your time wisely.

1. Start with what you know best.

While it’s understandable that you’ll want to tackle the hardest materials first, you’ll find that reviewing topics you’ve already mastered can actually make your study time more productive. Setting aside the first 15 or 30 minutes of your study session to go over content that you already know not only refreshes your memory on past lessons, it also allows you to build your confidence and helps you create a solid foundation for other more challenging topics.

2. Keep the AP test in mind when tackling new material.

The AP test is the culmination of an entire year of learning, which means every topic you encounter will find its way into your AP exams in one way or another. As you dive into new content in class, consider how you’ll study and need them for later. Take notes effectively and highlight key points while they are still fresh in your mind. You should also point out the concepts that you struggle with so that you can study them further later on.

3. Take advantage of AP prep resources.

There is no shortage of resources and support for students who are getting ready for the AP exams. You can easily find study guides, practice tests, and study tips for free online. Websites like Khan Academy and AP review videos are also great for studying purposes.

You can also invest in an AP prep book, which can quickly become your new best friend when it comes to prepping for your AP exams. A high-quality AP prep book can help you review all essential content, get familiar with the test format and question types, and learn effective test-taking strategies. Your school may also offer other specialized support for AP students, so talk to your teachers about how you can take advantage of them.

4. Practice, practice, and practice some more.

Your teachers’ primary goal is to ensure that they cover all topics and materials in class. Mastering them is entirely up to you. While your teachers may provide practice exams to help you prepare for the AP exams, you’ll also want to be proactive in familiarizing yourself with the testing format and types of questions you’ll see. Aside from practice runs administered by your teacher, you can also find practice exams online or even create your own using your notes and sample questions.

5. Don’t be shy about asking for help.

Getting ready for the AP exams is hard, and asking for help with AP exams doesn’t mean you’re not smart. In fact, it can mean the opposite. Seeking out an AP tutor shows that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, and that’s quite possibly one of the best things you can do to prepare for your AP exams. So if you’re feeling lost or behind in your AP prep, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Working with the right AP tutor can get you back on track and boost your confidence for the exam.

Stemly Tutoring’s Math and Science AP Tutoring

Whether you’re looking for a tutor who can help you fill the gaps in your AP classes or provide expert guidance as you study for your AP exams, Stemly Tutoring’s math and science tutors are here to help. Our professional, highly trained, and friendly math and science tutors are experts in a variety of STEM subjects and can help you catch up or get ahead in your AP classes.

We offer comprehensive, individualized, and expert AP tutoring for the following subjects: AP Calculus AB tutoring, AP Calculus BC tutoring, AP Physics 1 tutoring, AP Physics 2 tutoring, AP Physics C tutoring, AP Chemistry, and AP Statistics.

We also provide math and science support for students of all skill levels, including Pre-Algebra tutoring, Algebra 1 tutoring, Algebra 2 tutoring, Geometry tutoring, Trigonometry tutoring, Pre-Calculus tutoring, Calculus 1 tutoring, Calculus 2 tutoring, Multivariable Calculus tutoring, Statistics tutoring, General Physics tutoring, Mechanics tutoring, Electricity & Magnetism tutoring, General Chemistry tutoring, Organic Chemistry tutoring, General Biology tutoring, and Biochemistry tutoring.

Reach out to Stemly Tutoring today to learn more about how we can help!