AP (Advanced PlacementⓇ) courses and exams test high school students on their understanding and knowledge of college-level coursework. These courses are fast-paced and challenging, but performing well has many benefits. Many colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement for students who score well on their AP exams. This can allow students to bypass introductory courses and enroll in higher-level classes, saving time and money in college. Getting an early introduction to college-level work can prepare you for your major too.
High school students who are interested in AP exams should know that AP exams offer you the opportunity to challenge yourself, earn college credit, and demonstrate your aptitude for a rigorous curriculum at competitive colleges and universities. There are some details about test day that you should know. Let’s talk about what you should know for test day and dive into the necessary preparatory work needed to succeed.
Preparing For Test Day: Planning and Organization
Setting a structured study schedule is essential for high school students preparing for their AP exams. To begin, you should start by identifying the amount of time you have before the exam. Are you able to pace yourself? Or do you need to cram before test day? Once you have established your timing, plan study sessions for each subject or topic covered on the exam. It’s a good idea to break the exam down into manageable sections so you can practice each of your skills.
While you are studying the relevant topics, you should gain experience applying your knowledge. Incorporate full-length practice exams into your study schedule. Practice exams simulate the testing conditions to help students gauge their readiness, pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, and familiarize themselves with the exam format and timing. By setting a schedule, planning topic-focused study sessions, and taking practice exams, you can effectively prepare for your AP exams to increase your chances of success on test day.
What To Expect From The AP Exam Format
The AP exam typically spans 2–3 hours and is divided into two main sections. The first section is made up of multiple-choice questions, where you will select the best answer out of 4–5 options. Your score on the multiple-choice section is based on the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect or unanswered questions.
The second section of the exam includes free-response questions that prompt you to write your own answers. The format of the free-response section varies; some exams require essays and others require problem-solving. Some language exams will have a spoken response portion of the test. You can find more detailed information about the unique free-response portion of the exams on the College Board’s exam pages.
Knowing Your Strategies For Success During The Exam
Strategies for success require you to have an understanding of your weaknesses. Some students may struggle with time management and find themselves rushing through the test, or getting stuck on a challenging question. Other students have a hard time with multiple-choice questions, which can be wordy and challenging if your reading comprehension skills are lacking. Reading comprehension skills are crucial for understanding the prompts in the free-response portion too.
To start your process of strategizing the exam, take some practice tests. Your performance in the practice tests can help you hone in on the skills that need attention.
If you are struggling with time management, work on pacing yourself and allocating time for each section. If you are looking to improve your skills with multiple-choice questions, practice the process of elimination by striking out wrong answers and making educated guesses. Our tip for tackling free-response questions: understand the prompts, organize your thoughts, and provide thorough answers that answer the prompt in its entirety. Don’t go into test day blind to your own weaknesses: take practice exams to set yourself up for success.
Test Day Checklist: What To Bring And What Not To Bring
On AP exam day, you should make sure to arrive prepared with the appropriate materials for a smooth testing experience. Students should plan to check in at their testing center early to find their designated exam room. It is a good idea to arrive well ahead of the scheduled starting time to avoid being late.
Essential items to bring include No. 2 pencils for bubbling in your multiple-choice answer sheet, pens with black or dark blue ink for free-response questions, and an approved calculator (if applicable for the specific AP exam). You must bring a current government-issued or school-issued photo ID to check in for the test. For students with approved testing accommodations, it’s important to bring the College Board SSD Accommodations Letter. The exam policies allow students to wear a watch so long as it does not have internet access, noise-making capabilities, or an alarm. You will also be allowed to bring a ruler or straightedge for AP Physics Exams. For digital AP Exams, students should bring a testing device that meets the AP Program criteria.
There are several items that you may not bring to the exam, including electronic devices (like phones or smartwatches), digital recording devices, and computers (unless specified by AP French, AP German, AP Italian, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and AP Music Theory exams). Any books, notes, correction fluid, dictionaries, highlighters, scratch paper, watches with noise-making capabilities, unapproved calculators or computers, and any other prohibited items listed by the College Board should remain at home. Food and drinks are banned as well.
Students found with prohibited items during the exam may face dismissal, confiscation of the device, and cancellation of scores. Failing to comply with the exam policies could remove any chance to retake the exam.
Managing Test Anxiety And Maintaining Focus
It is normal to feel nervous on test day, but having a good idea of what to expect will help you feel more confident. Get a good night’s sleep the night before, and eat a healthy breakfast to fuel your brain. Arrive at your testing location early to avoid the stress of showing up late, and do your best to remain focused and positive.
Remember to pace yourself throughout each section and avoid comparing your progress to other students in the room. Showing up prepared and confident is important so you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to the best of your ability.
What Each Score Means
The scoring process for AP exams is based on a 5-point scale, with each score providing a recommendation about how qualified a student is to receive college credit and placement.
5: Extremely well qualified
4: Well qualified
3: Qualified
2: Possibly qualified
1: No recommendation
Many colleges and universities offer course credit and/or advanced placement for students who receive a 5, allowing you to skip introductory courses and enroll in higher-level courses. Scores of 3 or 4 may also be qualified, depending on the school’s policy. It’s essential to understand that AP scores are just one component of your application: remember that colleges and universities consider multiple factors when making admissions decisions.
If you are looking to earn the best score possible on your AP exam, working with a FLEX College Prep instructor will maximize your potential. Our instructors are exam experts. Their knowledge and experience with the AP exam’s format and requirements will ensure an effective prep process. You can work with a FLEX tutor in a one-on-one setting, a small group, or our AP exam prep classes. Your AP exam score can make a big difference in your potential for acceptance at competitive colleges and universities. Working hard in your AP classes throughout the school year and getting good grades is important. If you want your AP work to make an even bigger impact, shoot to obtain the highest score possible on your AP exam.
Students need to stand out in the competitive admissions landscape. FLEX College Prep is a team of the best strategists in the industry and takes a holistic approach to ensure students use their pre-college years in intentional, enriching, and personally satisfying ways. Since 2001, we’ve worked with families to help students unlock their potential and find happiness, meaning, and success in college and beyond.