Dear Amelia,

APs are coming up, and I’m feeling overwhelmed! I’ve never taken an AP test before, and I don’t know where to begin to study! What if I get all zeroes? Please help,

-Testing in Towson

Dear Testing in Towson,

I know exactly how you feel.  APs can be really stressful, but don’t let them throw you. Before you do anything, I suggest you take a deep breath.  It’s kind of hard to study when you’re hyperventilating into a paper bag.  First, your teachers have been working with you all year to prepare for these tests, so you definitely can do this.  You’ve learned all you can at this point, so attempting to cram more information into your brain is futile at this point.  Take it from a seasoned procrastinator- it doesn’t help.  Just trust in the hard work that you’ve done throughout the year, and let the AP test be the payoff.  Relax and go into the exam with the knowledge that it’s virtually impossible for you to score a zero, so you can check that worry off your extensive list.  Be calm and collected in the exam room, and take comfort that once the exam is over, you will feel accomplished.  Most importantly, remember to breathe.  The exam proctor may be forced to take extreme measures if you start turning blue, and this could result in your being unable to take the test, and we both know this is the last thing you want.  Good luck!

-Amelia