<p>I thought it would be interesting to see what those who took AP tests for the first time learned. Veteran test takers' tips are also welcome. :-)</p>
<p>1) Start studying EARLIER!!!
2) Refer to #1.
3) Look through many, many, many practice tests/essay prompts/essay samples/free response questions.
4) Bring watch to test.</p>
<p>5) If you can, sit in the same place each time if you are taking multiple exams. I got quite comfortable in the same seat by my last exam so i felt more relaxed; plus, it had a good view of the clock.</p>
<p>6) Cramming doesn't help as much as you'd hope :P</p>
<p>The best advice I could give is not to worry so much. For the easier tests, pay attention in class, and don't stress so much about something that won't affect you in the longrun. For the hard tests, don't freak out the day before and go on a marathon studying session. Cramming will kill your concentration on the day of the test, and I've found a day of relaxation with none of the subject being tested the day before the AP test does wonders. I guess it all depends on the person, but chilling out a little bit before the test seemed to actually help me.</p>
<p>Personally, I felt that cramming was somewhat helpful and actually prepared me for the test. Then again, I had difficult tests in the subject throughout the year, so it was somewhat of a review. Definitely start studying earlier and go into the test confident so you don't get worried.</p>
<p>For any test I find it helpful to treat it almost like a game. Try to challenge myself to try to win in a sense or answer the questions to the best of my ability. This helps because you relax and don't get stressed.</p>
<p>bring clear water bottles hah</p>
<p>7) When using prep books, do the practice problems rather than read. If you get it wrong, read that section in-depth.</p>
<p>Start self-studying full year courses earlier than one semester courses.</p>
<p>8) Don't be afraid to switch AP teachers if you feel that one of them is not teaching in an effective enough manner.
And prepbooks help focus you on what you should know really well</p>
<p>Eat breakfast, but not too much. Too little and you won't survive. Too much (like my mom feeding me two pieces of bread with cream cheese, an egg, and milk, since i'm not a breakfast person) and the nerves might just make you 'reexperience' your bacon and eggs. This is not a good, relaxing way to spend the five minutes before your exam. Take my word for it :p</p>
<p>-The hype is overrated. Most classes teach you what you need to know, so don't doubt what you have already learned</p>
<p>-Prep/review books are a godsend</p>
<p>-Avoid stressing over the exam</p>
<p>-Sometimes cramming works, sometimes it doesn't. Evaluate your situation and then choose before staying up the night before reading the entire PR book</p>
<p>-Practice building up stamina</p>
<p>-Sleep</p>
<p>Don't worry after the exam even if you know you bombed it. IT'S OVER and there's nothing you can do about it so go get your life back and enjoy your summer.</p>
<p>Take it easy...</p>
<ol>
<li>Buy practice book months in advance</li>
<li>Let it collect dust until the week before</li>
<li>Bring book to school and study there</li>
<li>The day before, cram and do practice tests</li>
<li>Win</li>
</ol>
<p>study throughout the whole year</p>
<p>don't forget to review at least a little bit the stuff you THINK you know well enough
i didnt review what i thought i was solid on in physics and i ended up screwing up those problems soooooo badly even though i shouldnt have
study throughout the year etc etc
i learned its very difficult to cram courses such as us history (2 days before DOES NOT work)
although i did cram math over the weekend and it worked very well</p>
<ol>
<li>Study earlier (which I am definitely hopefully not really-ly going to do next year, hopefully)</li>
<li>Don't drink right before the exam.</li>
<li>Cramming helps, but don't overdo it. Refer to 1.</li>
<li>Bring a watch, but don't wear it as it gets annoying.</li>
<li>Buy a practice test? Not really sure about this one, but I think it's help.</li>
</ol>
<p>dont sit at a table that squeaks almost everytime you move your arm so you dont annoy yourself and the people around you. (I had a table like this today when taking my ap english lang, jeez how annoying...)</p>
<ol>
<li>Learn the material in class and not the week before the test</li>
<li>Refer to number one.</li>
<li>Never take another physics class</li>
</ol>
<p>Try to use the review book throughout the years, preferrably before you have a test on a subject corresponding to a chapter (or section) or two. If you're in a science AP, read the textbook, even if it might seem overwhelming, and even if you might have a review book.</p>