As the end of the year is approaching, one of the last hurdles a student has to jump through is the AP exams. The concept of a three-hour-long exam that could possibly earn you college credit can be very overwhelming. Luckily, you are not alone in this. Here is a list of effective strategies developed to help you do better on your AP exams.

Timeline:

Make sure to give yourself an adequate timeframe to prepare. We have all been in that position where we procrastinated on a project and suddenly it is due the next day and you have nothing done. Divide up the amount of information you need to know into smaller segments over several weeks. Once you have your timeline made, stick to it.

Schedule:

When it comes down to how you should study each day, try making a schedule for yourself that works for you. One method that is proven to be very effective is the Pomodoro method. Study for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. You can go for a walk, talk to your family, stretch, but try not to go on your phone. Every four sets, take a longer break. This schedule is very effective for people with short attention spans. You can rework the timing of this schedule so that it fits your needs.

Method:

Whether you use flashcards, diagrams, or simply sit down and rewrite all of your notes by hand, you know yourself best. Chose the method of studying that works best for you and doesn’t feel too overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. If you normally rely on flashcards, try teaching someone else the material.

Have a support system:

While this may seem irrelevant, it is extremely important to have a strong support system backing you up in times of stress. Plan study sessions with friends to help each other improve. Ask your parents to go over flashcards with you. Whatever you chose, just make sure you have people backing you up on it.

Hopefully these strategies will help decrease some of the stress we are all feeling. Good luck and happy studying!