How to deal with the stress of AP Exams?

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

This might be a dumb question, but I was wondering if I anyone had any tips on how to deal with the anxiety on exam day and the day leading up to the exam?

2

Starting to prep before hand has helped me in the past. If you feel more prepared that can lessen the anxiety. If you have an afternoon exam and it’s possible maybe not go to your morning classes, sleep in and take your time in the morning relaxing.

3

Do the things that make you relax. Whether it is sleeping more, or even watching television / playing games, those things will help along the way. Also, be in the mindset that you will do well, and that you studied hard to prepare for the exam. You do not have control in the end on what questions come out or how people grade, but you do have control on the strength of knowledge on the content. Make sure to study and review plenty, then believe in yourself. You can do it! Also, on the day of the exam, don’t do anything out of the normal from your morning rituals.

4

Get a good night’s sleep the night before (and the night before that, too!), arrive early, and remind yourself that you’re prepared. Approach it as you would an athletic contest - it’s fine to feel a little nervous anticipation, but it’s because you’re excited to get in there and do well, not because you’re terrified!

5

Try to take a practice test beforehand (or at least do some of the practice FRQs) TIMED. This will raise your confidence by knowing how to pace yourself and that you know the format of the exam and has helped me before on exams. Also, I agree with @gardenstategal that a good night’s sleep and nutritious breakfasts are imperative. Also, I would suggest having lunch or a snack before your exam if it is in the afternoon because the afternoon tests may not let out until as late as 4 or 5.

6

Remember that doing poorly is not the end of the world. One, two, or even three bad test days really won’t matter much in the long run. Once you are confident that you know the content well, just realize that you’ve already accomplished the most important task: learning college level material.