How to Study for AP Exams: Step-by-Step Strategy for Success

Have you started preparing and studying for upcoming AP exams?  If you take the time to make a study plan, have the right tools, and mindset, you can do this! 

Whether you’re getting ready for one AP test or more, our guide will walk you through your preparation process and help you develop study habits that work for you. 

Know What to Expect on the AP Exam

It’s important to know what’s expected of you for your exam.

AP exams generally take between 2 and 3 hours for you to finish, but that can be a little different based on the subject. Each AP exam has its own format that includes a combination of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. Some exams will require you to complete portfolio or performance-based tasks.

Most exams are made up of two sections, multiple choice and free response.

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): The MCQ section is usually the first section. Depending on the subject, it will take between 45 and 90 minutes for you to finish. You will get a point for every right answer. You won’t get points for wrong or missing answers. However, it’s best to answer every question, even if you are unsure of the right answer. If you do get it right, you will get a point for it. 

• Free Response: The Free Response section will take between 85 minutes to 2 hours to finish. It’s made up of essays and questions that require problem-solving or critical thinking skills. This section will be graded by AP teachers and college professors. Responses are evaluated using a rubric that considers specific criteria.

Each AP exam has its own scoring breakdown. For example, AP English Language will focus on essay answers. Some subjects may include skills tests which include data interpretation, argumentation, analytical writing, data analysis, and more. 

For details about your specific AP subject, take a look at the College Board’s Course and Exam Descriptions (opens in a new tab) (CEDs). Knowing the course and exam components will help you better prepare for the tests you are taking. 

This is a great resource as you can look up the specifics of the course(s) you are studying and learn what the course covers. It explains about the course and the exam, including:

• Exam date

• Exam sections

• Time allowed to complete each section

• How test sections make up your final AP exam score 

For example, the AP Biology exam (opens in a new tab) has two sections. Section 1 is MCQ, you have 90 minutes to complete the section, and it will be 50% of your final score. Section 2 is free response questions, you’ll have 90 minutes to complete this portion of the exam, and it will make up the other half, or 50% of your score.

Step 1: Start with a Study Plan

Preparing for AP exams means you’ll want to find the study plan or strategies that work best for you. 

Let’s break it down into manageable steps that will help you focus on your strengths, manage your time, and give you the confidence needed to do well on your tests.

Build a Custom Study Timeline Based on Your Schedule

Your study plan will depend a lot on how much time you have left until exam day. Here are some guidelines to help you get organized and ready for exam day.

• 2 Months Before Your Test Date: Start by reviewing key topics in your subject. Work a few practice questions every day. Take time to look up the answers you are unsure of. Schedule 1 or 2 full-length mock exams during this time frame.

• 1 Month Before Test Day: Focus on sharpening your weak areas and work on test-taking skills. Do more targeted practice and reviews. Practicing taking tests will help you feel more comfortable with your skills on test day. This can help alleviate some of your nervousness as you’ll know more what to expect.

• 1 Week Before Your AP Exam: Do some light reviewing, memorize key facts and formulas, and do some timed practice. Practicing timing yourself will help with managing your time on test day, so you don’t spend too much or too little time on questions during your actual test. Don’t overload yourself this last week, just hone what you have been doing all along.

Prioritize Weak Areas First

Don’t get stuck going over and over information you already know. Look at your personal results from quizzes, practice exams, and diagnostic tests to find specific areas you can work on. Scores will show you where to dedicate your time. Spend time on topics where your scores were weaker, or on topics you know you struggle with.

Step 2: Use Active Study Techniques

Flashcards and Retrieval Practice

Flashcards can be a great tool, if you use them right. You’ll want to engage in spaced repetition and retrieval practice instead of just flipping through cards. 

Practice with Past Papers and MCQs

Work on some official multiple-choice questions and free-response questions while timing your responses. Timing yourself using real test questions is a great way to prep for testing day. Try to simulate test day conditions as closely as you can. This will help your brain stay sharp when you are under pressure on exam day.

Teach Someone Else

Explaining concepts, ideas, and processes to others can help you solidify your understanding. It can also help you identify any gaps in your knowledge base. Try explaining the topic out loud to a classmate, a friend, a family member, to yourself, or even to your dog! The best way to learn something is to teach it, because if you can teach it, you know it!

Step 3: Master the Free Response Section (FRQ)

Understand What Examiners Are Looking For

Make sure you understand the scoring guidelines and rubrics provided by the College Board for the AP exams you are preparing for. This gives you a good idea of what they are looking for, like:

• Stating a clear thesis or argument

• Providing supporting evidence

• Logical structure

Practice Timed Writing

Set a timer to simulate the real test. Write full responses to your practice FR questions. Don’t just write an outline. Make sure to focus on things like:

• Giving a clear answer or thesis

• Provide evidence or data usage

• Stay inside the time limits

Review Sample Answers and Learn From Them

Take some time to look at high-scoring example answers. Compare your answers with samples to see what you did well, and what you can improve on.

Step 4: Fine-Tune Exam Strategy

Learn to Eliminate Wrong Answers in MCQs

When you’re staring at four possible answers, you may see the correct answer immediately. Mark it and move on! But if you look at all four, and you have no idea, start by eliminating any of them that you are certain are wrong. When you rule out the least likely answer, you increase your chances of getting a right answer if you end up needing to guess.

Time Management Tips for Long Exams

Managing your time is essential when you are taking open response portions of an AP exam. Start by breaking down your time. So, if the test has 60 questions, and you know you have 90 minutes, aim for about a minute and a half spent on each question. Here are a few tips:

• Allocate specific time for each question.

• If you get stuck, move on to the next question and come back to it later.

• Use your breaks to recharge.

• Remember to give yourself time to plan, write, and review essays.

Use a Formula Sheet or Equation Strategy (STEM subjects)

Some AP exams provide an official reference or formula sheet, like AP Physics. Take time to become familiar with it. If one is not provided, then make your own to use for practice. It will also help you recall the information later.

Motivation and Burnout Tips

Set Small Daily Goals

Staring down a big exam can be scary. But if you break it down and tackle it over time, it will not be as intimidating. Manageable daily goals will help you cover all the material you need to know for the test. For example, day one, review one topic or go through 20 flash cards.

Take Scheduled Breaks and Get Sleep

Cramming is never an effective study strategy. Your brain needs to rest in order to absorb information. Try studying in 45 to 60-minute blocks and take breaks in between. Never underestimate the power of sleep. Sleeping helps lock in what you have learned.

Track Your Progress Visually

Use a digital or physical tool to track your progress. Writing down your study strategies and daily goals will help you break studying down into bite-sized pieces. As you complete and mark off each item, you can see your progress. This helps you feel like you are making progress when you feel unsure. Choose the tool that works for you:

• Calendar/alarms on your phone

• Physical planner

• Spreadsheet

• To-do list app

• Physical calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start studying for AP exams?

Start at least two months before your exam day if you want the best results. If the test date is closer than you anticipated, focused one-month or weekly plans can help you break the information down into bite-size chunks.

How many hours a day should I study?

To continue making steady process, you’ll want to aim for an hour or two every day. The last few weeks before the test, you can increase this as needed.

 What’s more important: content or exam technique?

They both matter. Knowing the content is critical, you can’t pass without having the knowledge. But having some exam strategies can make a huge difference when trying to communicate your knowledge under timed circumstances.

Can I study for multiple AP exams at once?

With careful planning and consistent follow-through, you can study for more than on AP exam. Create a solid study schedule and stick to it. Alternate your subjects to avoid fatigue.

Final Thoughts

Consistent, active prep will always beat last-minute cramming. Creating a plan, sticking to it, and tracking your progress is a productive process. Keeping a positive attitude will go a long way in helping you have a good mind set for taking on your tests. We know that AP exams are tough, they are meant to be! But they are totally doable and manageable when you have the right resources and stick with a methodical approach.

Sources

College Board Course and Exam Descriptions (opens in a new tab)

AP Biology Course and Exam Specifics (opens in a new tab)