Last year, I wrote a story about how to study for AP exams. After taking three exams last year and preparing to take five this year, I have some more advice and input.
I’ve learned more about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to studying methods and preparing effectively.
The strategy I found the most helpful was taking notes over review videos. It helped me relearn the material and rehearse it in a more active way. Taking notes makes it feel like I have the control over what I learn and the way I learn it, I also get to make them look pretty!
I found it really helpful just getting a lot of practice during the school year. Most of my classes have already started reviewing for AP exams, unlike last year. The pacing my teachers have been doing this year has been really helpful.
While studying for the AP world test last year, I really enjoyed watching Heimler review videos. I even watch them sometimes for just unit test reviews. He has extra resources that can be purchased. He also makes videos for other AP history classes.
Last year for my AP Psychology test, there was a nationwide Bluebook app shutdown. That situation left a lot of students stressed and may have even impacted their scores. I was making the best out of that situation though and was talking to the student I was sitting next to in AP Psychology terms to help each other review. I was like “We are going to have an internal locus of control.”
It’s good to have a small amount of stress before an exam because in some cases it can enhance performance. Although excessive stress can have a huge impact while taking an exam. When you stress hormones, such as cortisol are higher, it can make it more difficult to retrieve information from your long term memory.
This year I’m going to make sure to get enough sleep before my exams. If you’re staying up super late studying, then your performance will be a lot worse because your brain will be foggy.
AP exams are right around the corner, but the best thing to do is using studying methods to enhance learning. It’s also very important to take care of yourself during stressful exam weeks!
