*First of all I’m new to this and I’m sure that these questions have been answered, but I’m struggling to find them.
I’m wondering how I should study for my AP Tests. I’m taking the following:
-AP Biology
-AP U.S. History
-AP Spanish Language
I was curious as to which review textbooks you would recommend for me to get a 5 on each test (Princeton Review, Cliffsnotes AP, Barron’s, the Essential Content, Amsco, 5 steps to a 5, etc.), and as such, I PREFER using a textbook for self-studying (and flashcards with others). Again MY GOAL is a 5 for each one. I would like to know good study habits (flashcards, going through textbook daily, etc.). Please use as much detail as you can, and firsthand experience with several textbooks and the AP tests. Also, tips on speaking, listening, reading, writing, FRQ, and grid-ins are much appreciated.
I’m taking APUSH now, but this is my experience with it so far (and AP test from the past).
- [] Princeton Review is really good, but what you really want is a review book that you somewhat enjoy reading. Try going to a library and looking at a few before buying one, if you’re intending to.
[] Reading the textbook daily was never necessary for me, and I’ve taken AP Lang / AP Calc BC as a freshman and am taking APUSH, AP Physics C, AP CS, AP Lit, and higher math now as a sophomore. I’m a really undisciplined at studying though (until the last minute…), so if you think this will help you feel free to do so.
[] Flashcards really help me. I recommend using one card for each topic, and putting details on the back. I sort by topic, but sorting by time period can also work. I try to work through each topic until I’m sure I have it, and them move on, then rotate through again.
[] General advice for multiple choice sections: make sure you’re matching the question to the bubble (I messed up once, not joking), don’t be afraid to skip questions, don’t panic, and don’t worry what others are doing. Make sure to read the prompts / passages properly, and do what works best for you. For me, it’s to not skim read and to use my finger to help focus.
[] General advice for the essays: spend some time on an outline, but don’t spend too much time on it; make sure to answer the question; be direct, but don’t be afraid to write it in your voice; and again, relax! And if you really panic, remember the 5 paragraph essay. I didn’t always stick to it, but it’s often a good place to start. Make sure your thesis is clear, as reader’s don’t want to try and hunt it down!
[] General-general advice: take practice tests, with as accurate an environment as possible (entire time, scheduled breaks only, no notes, etc.). Note where you tend to miss: is it on a topic, or a time period? Do you have trouble with specific types of problems (e.g. on the AP Lang, I struggled with “what is the tone of this passage?”)
Good luck on your tests!