Advanced Placement courses are a way for students to prepare themselves for further education at a university, even earning credits that will count towards their degree. To earn college credits, however, students must first pass the final exam given for each course. Finals for any course can be overwhelming even for those that are prepared, but exams taken by those in AP classes are usually even more difficult. The importance that AP exams carry is great; not only are you earning valuable college credit, you’re also increasing your chances of being accepted into your dream university.
Failure isn’t an option, so be sure you’re prepared by following these tips.
Online Study Guides and Material
There is a wealth of knowledge and experience available at your fingertips. The College Board, the same group that is responsible for coming up with AP courses and exams, offers students sample questions and study guides. In addition to sample questions, The College Board also chooses to release actual tests from previous years, along with essay answers received from students that took them in the years prior.
Though the resources available from The College Board are really great, they may not be enough alone to ensure an excellent grade. Third party resources, like those found at Biology Junction, can provide the extra guidance you need to ace your particular exam. Even if you’re unsure of how to study properly, effective and interactive study methods can be obtained and incorporated into your arsenal.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Recent research implies that cramming the night before a big test can have an adverse effect on performance. Information is best learned when our minds have time to process it fully, and the night before your exam is not sufficient. It is never too early to start preparing for your eventual exam, so start building your outline from the very beginning.
Utilize Past Tests and Study Work
The tests and assignments you have completed over the course of the semester can be a relatively good indicator of what you will see on the final exam. Going over your old tests regularly throughout the entire length of the course can be a great way to keep the information fresh in your mind for the big day. A study plan can be implemented using the materials you’ve acquired: they’re a great source of important topics you’re likely to see on your test.
Don’t Forget to Rest
Often overlooked in the pre-exam flurry of going over test questions and writing pages of notes, your mental and physical health is important if you want to succeed. Your mind needs to be in the best possible condition if you want to be at maximum performance. Tired and malnourished students make more mistakes, and you really can’t afford it. Ample rest the night before your big exam is critical to do your best; your body demands it. Don’t forget to start your day with a nutritious breakfast to provide your brain with long lasting energy, as you’ll need it.
Advanced Placement classes are designed to be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t handle it. If you take the time to prepare for your exams ahead of time, then you will be confident when the day finally comes to take them.
