Every year during the first 2 weeks of May, roughly 3 million students worldwide take part in AP exams. The College Board administers these exams. These tests are college-level and can allow students to earn college credit for the courses that they took throughout the year.  

AP Student Junior Angelina Hiuriono says,

“I studied like 2 months in advance, and I think the best time to start would even be 3 months.”

All students use different study methods for each subject, including reviewing notes, practice tests, flashcards,  YouTube videos, and review books. Everyone has a different opinion on the best study method, such as Kesley Tasem, who enjoys studying in groups.

“Talking about it and getting in study groups with friends are study methods I enjoy,” Tasem stated.

With these exams come lots of nerves and anxiety, from managing time for study, sports, personal life, to the actual test itself. 

While some believe that studying the night before will help them remember the last bits of information, studies have shown that rather than cramming the night before, students who strategize and get a good night’s rest perform better with a strong study schedule. 

Hiurono states that the night before the test she takes time to plan out what she’s going to do on the test.  

“I usually take time the night before to plan out how I’m gonna do this [test]. I was a bit anxious, but only because I was taking hard AP classes at the time,” Hiurono said.

She felt that the actual test wasn’t as nerve-racking as she’d anticipated because she saw that many people were in her position, going through the same thing. 

“I thought it wasn’t too bad,” Hiurino added.

Tasem had the same idea and perspective about the test.

“I think if you study for it, it’s a lot easier, and you end up knowing a lot more than you think you do,” she said.

Tasem’s biggest piece of advice to anyone taking their first AP exam was “to study a lot, and don’t stress too much about it.”