The AP exams are coming up in early May and students taking AP classes are as nervous as ever. From feverishly preparing for the test to stressing over the approaching date, it’s sure a lot of pressure for students. This is certainly true for senior Karina Schmidt, who is taking three AP classes this year. When it comes to the upcoming exams, she said, “To prepare for AP exams, I review my homework and notes from throughout the year and take practice tests. I also make sure to eat a good breakfast and get enough sleep.”

For Elisa Kwak, who is taking four AP classes, that is also the case, and she has more advice for students on the methods to study for the tests. “For difficult tests, I try to go over past work assignments and see if there are review guides online. If there are subjects that I am not comfortable in, I try to focus heavily in those areas,” Kwak said. “As a senior I’m taking four AP classes and one test. I’ve done many practice tests AP tests during the eight APs I’ve taken total. I’ve found that these methods work really well to prepare and stay on top of things,” she added.

Senior Natalie Evans has some different but equally important advice for kids cramming to get studying and preparation done. “My biggest advice would be to try and study overtime, but if you do cram and study the night before, it’s important to set a deadline to sleep. It might be hard going into a test with limited information but stressing out over reviewing and becoming delirious and sleep deprived is not beneficial either,” she said.

Seniors aren’t the only ones taking AP tests next week, of course. Juniors have to focus and study hard as well, considering the importance of their junior year grades to college applications. “I’m taking three AP classes. My advice would be to do as many practice questions as you can on the college board website. There are tons of review books, especially for AP science classes, and it’s a really good thing to do for preparation,” junior Ajay Sheena said. “Also, have faith in yourself. Some AP classes are really hard like AP chemistry, but some aren’t as bad in my opinion like AP U.S. history. It’s just important to do the best you can and believe in yourself,” she added.

Good luck to all of our AP testers this week, study hard and rest well!