I just started studying for my AP World exam and the stress is starting to get to me because all of my other classes are still leaving homework and tests that I need to manage as well. I’m wondering now whether I should start pre-studying over the summer for my APs next year or whether that would be too early? When exactly should one start studying for APs? I know the classes that I’ll be taking would probably prepare me pretty well, but at the same time, I do know that I need to study a bit in order to get a 5, preferably by going through a prep book. The information would probably just drift out of my head if I start too early, but I don’t want to wait until the last minute.
Any tips? Success stories?
Thanks!
If you’re taking an actual classroom class for the class then often teachers will assign summer homework so I wouldn’t worry. If you’re self-studying for the exam (AP WH for example), I’d say start studying maybe a few weeks before the start of school. I took the test today and there was lot’s of material we didn’t have time to cover (partly due to the vast amount of historical knowledge needed and partly because our first teacher didn’t teach us). I have read that the College Board is cutting some of the info out of the exam in the coming years, but it’s still a lot of info (the first recorded history to present pretty much) I’d suggest a Barron’s or Princeton’s Review book to help you as well whether it’s a self-study or not. Good luck to you.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll be starting early then. :3
That’s a pretty absurd idea, to start studying for your AP exams in late June. You’re going to be burnt out by the time school starts.
Even when I took 11 exams, I started studying on March 1st (if memory serves me correctly).
I honestly wouldn’t start studying for AP exams until the start of the year when you are taking the exam. If you are self-studying, then odds are, if you don’t have weekly exposure to the material, some of it will slip through your mind. I would start a self-study around January-February (the deadline for registering for the exam).
If you’re taking the AP class through your school, then you can probably put off studying for the exam until late March or the beginning of April, as you would have had daily exposure to the material, and a review would probably be sufficient.
Yes, I realize that.
I started in late April this year and that wasn’t sufficient time for me to prepare (or feel prepared). However, I realize that a few months (maybe January or February) is enough. I think it’s really up to the class and that it’s good to start studying so you can go along with the class and learn the material better than is necessary in the class.
Well, I just got a 5 on APUSH! I just worked hard all year. I started reviewing over Spring break(Marchish). I also reviewed more and more as the test got closer. The week before, I had to balance studying for Psych and APUSH, but once Psych was over, all I did was review APUSH. I stayed home the day before to review. I recommend Learnerator, APUSHreview.com, and Crash Course review book!
Psych was different. My teacher was ok, but I did most of the reviewing the week before. I used Barron’s. I ended up with a 4 so I guess that’s good.
It really just depends on your class!