Getting a 5 on your AP exam boosts your application, and helps you save time and money in college.

People often think they use the most effective study methods for their tests or pay good attention in class. This is usually not the case. Here are some of the best ways to study for your AP Exams:

1. Active Learning: Take ORGANIZED notes and ask questions to keep yourself engaged and get the most out of the lesson. Write down formulas, key concepts, practice problems, main ideas, vocabulary, etc. Make sure you can understand your notes clearly.
2. Planning with checkpoints: Create a daily plan, a weekly plan, and a monthly plan. For each plan, set checkpoints for where you want to be. Writing down your plan in an organized planner helps solidify it in your mind and keeps you consistent.
3. Study small every night: Rather than having a two-hour cram session (or more), study light every night. Reading over your notes 15 minutes a night solidifies information in your brain (even more so if done right before bed).
4. Practice for the AP exam: You can use many online resources and textbooks to take full tests, tests for each unit, or even learn the entire course. Take advantage of College Board’s resources, online practice tests, and textbooks (more about our recommendations soon).

Depending on the AP class and what you’re naturally good at, the effort you put in changes. These tips and resources are just some tools that you can use, but making your study plan, organizing your notes, picking a good textbook, and having a good study schedule will greatly improve your score.

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