In one month, many St. Mary’s students will be faced with the daunting task of completing the AP exams. While the tests are demanding, they are far more manageable and far less intimidating than they are often made out to be. Here are St. Mary’s students’ best tips on understanding what makes AP exams challenging, studying effectively, navigating the exam and staying reassured.

Why AP exams are difficult 

One reason AP exams feel challenging is because of the wide range of material students are tested on. Although knowledge of the course is a major factor, the results of the exam also depend on a student’s time-management skills. Students should prepare to balance their time between each section of the exam. 

On top of these academic stressors, the environment itself can be overwhelming. Junior Louise Cole, who has taken exams for AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, and AP Computer Science Principles, finds this to be a major challenge.

 “The fact that you have to take it with so many people in one room is always overwhelming for me,” Cole said.

Study tips

Many St. Mary’s students shared that they begin studying on their own for the exam two-to-three weeks before the test date, in addition to in-class preparation. Actively studying by doing timed practice problems, connecting material, talking out prompts, and participating in study groups are some of the most efficient ways that students prepare. 

Sophomore Katie Piper shared her approach to structured studying.

 “[Study] what you’ve learned most recently, and then go backwards,” Piper said. “And [study] bigger sections first, then go into more specific details.”

Another unique studying tip used by junior Christina Moon is called blurting.

 “You read a chapter, for example, like a topic or a concept, and you try to fully understand it,” Moon said. “Then you put all your notes away, and you take a blank sheet of paper and start writing everything you remember in pencil. After you think you have finished, you look back at your notes and take a colored pen to write the additional stuff that you missed.”

Exam tips

When it comes to the timing of the test, senior Eva Ferdinand emphasizes the importance of staying calm. 

 “[Know] your limit, don’t try and stick on a question that you’re not quite sure about,” Ferdinand said. “You can always come back to it.”

Minimizing distractions greatly increases focus on the exam. Cole has her own strategy for concentrating during her exams.

 “I [keep] my eyes on my own paper,” Cole said. “I also like sitting towards the front of the room because everyone will be behind me.”

Reassurance

Although AP exams can feel like the end-all be-all, a bad score doesn’t make nearly as much of an impact as many people think. It is always optional to include AP scores on college applications, and the score has no impact on grades for any AP class.

Senior Molly Kirshbaum believes that students at St. Mary’s are prepared well for each exam.

 “I never went to an exam not knowing what to expect or what to do,” Kirshbaum said.

Ferdinand also addresses the common misconception that it is difficult for students to get higher scores on an AP exam.

 “[AP grading] is not as harsh,” Ferdinand said. “It’s easier to get a higher grade than you would think.”