With AP tests in full swing, students at South are diving headfirst into late night cramming and early morning study sessions. Preparing for these daunting tests has the potential to be a real time sucker, but with this four step guide to testing success, you can cut your study time from weeks to days.
Step one: Find a study buddy. Two brains are better than one!
If you have a hard time holding yourself accountable while studying, this is perfect for you. Having a friend with you can help you stay on task, and there’s a lower likelihood for procrastination because you are both working towards the same goal. In addition, they can give you motivation, offer new perspectives, and bring a change of pace. Senior Lyra Mejias-Dinverno states that “[she thinks] studying with friends can be fun, and although sometimes it can be hard to focus, [she tends] to work better when there are others around [her]”. This is your sign to grab a friend, find a quiet work environment, and hit the books.
Step two: Use external resources.
Anyone who has taken an AP test before knows that there is only so far a six page study guide can get you. With a little digging, you will discover countless resources beyond what your teacher provides that will take your studying from mediocre to outstanding. Senior Lizzy Merkley explains that she enjoys using College Board, claiming that “they have helpful study questions on their website and AP review books”. She also recommended watching Heimler’s History on Youtube, saying that “he provides really great summaries for each unit and connects the key points in a way that is easy to remember”. Offering a different perspective, junior Anika Pirkola said her ideal study tool is flashcards. “I use flashcards for vocab and terms along with prompts for the writing portions,” Pirkola stated, “when it comes to any AP test, flashcards are my go to.” Whether you choose to explore online resources or make your own study tools, there are countless strategies that will elevate your studying in an instant.
Step three: Study in short, focused sessions.
If you’ve heard of the Pomodoro Method, there couldn’t be a better time to use it than now. To make your study time twice as efficient, study for 25 minutes (one pomodoro), then take a five minute break. After four pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break. While implementing this method, you will find an increase in your productivity and brainpower. Short bursts of studying have proven to be more successful than long, unfocused ones. If you want to up the stakes, add in a reward system and treat yourself after each Pomodoro. That could include getting a treat, going outside, or spending 5 minutes on Instagram reels. Whatever gives you enough motivation to tackle your next round of studying.
Step four: Prepare beforehand. No one wants to be rushed the morning of a big exam!
While it may seem like common sense, being prepared in advance can make a huge difference on test day. It’s important to use good time management skills beforehand to eliminate the consequences of being rushed. First, make sure your laptop is fully charged. If your exam is on paper, have a sharpened #2 pencil ready, along with a black or blue pen. You might also want to bring a calculator, water, or snack depending on what your exam allows. Second, get a good night of sleep. Yes, that means more than 6 hours. Set your phone in a different room and allow yourself to fall asleep without any distractions. Third, do some light review, but avoid learning new material. Run through basic concepts and ideas so that you don’t feel pressure to cram in more studying the next morning.
If you implement these recommended steps into your studying schedule, the day of your exam will flow seamlessly. Whether it’s studying with friends or getting a good night of sleep, you have the ability to shape your academic success. Round it all out with a nutritious breakfast and a confident mindset, and you’ll be ready to ace your AP exams.
