Tips for getting an A in AP Bio?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I'm taking AP Biology as a junior and I'm failing. I honestly almost have a D. I'm at a 73 and a D is a 70 so I'm at my wit's end. I want to know how I can succeed. Every test I take, I feel more and more prepared and then I get the test back and I'm like "Sh*t." Like we've had three tests and I've gotten a 17/30 a 21/40 and now an 18/30. What the heck can I do to study better?</p>

<p>The first time, I read 2 chapters in 2 days and after that I didn't go back and read them again. Then the third chapter I didn't have time to finish reading because I procrastinated. </p>

<p>The second time, I read the three chapters more spread out. I studied a lot the last day and I tried studying in the morning instead of night. Obviously that didn't work.</p>

<p>The third time, I definitely spread the chapters out and tried studying each one separately. I still failed. I also did some practice online and answered a lot of multiple choice questions on MasteringBiology. I chunked the chapters and I did much worse than expected and now I'm just so depressed. I thought I did well but I'm just getting worse and worse.</p>

<p>I would get a tutor but it seems almost unnecessary because biology is just application of knowledge. I want to try and get an A this semester if possible. It ends on January 4th. Do you think it's possible? If so, how can I get an A? </p>

<p>Please help me! I'm on the verge of giving up. It seems like the more I do, the more I fail and I'm just running out of options.</p>

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>First Question:
Whats the class average on those tests?<br>
In my AP Bio class, I’ve been averaging a 75%, which is 2nd best in the class. You may be doing good, relatively. </p>

<p>Secondly, have you tried YouTube videos?<br>
For me, Bozeman Science has been a big help. Mr. Anderson really explains things and gives examples of many things. He helps you get the concept, rather than memorizing (which is better, at least for me). </p>

<p>I’m not sure what Bio textbook you’re reading, but in mine, I outline (like really outline 4-5 pgs worth) as I read. I have trouble staying focused otherwise. Outlining makes you not only stay focused but provides you with easy notes to look back on prior to tests. </p>

<p>Have you gotten a review book? I haven’t yet, but they really help (used 3 last year on different APs). Try 5 Steps to a 5 or some other recommended review book, they summarize what you really need to understand for each chapter. </p>

<p>Also, studying the morning of a test is useless. You are (these are assumptions, so correct me if I’m wrong…) tired, sluggish, and probably cannot focus on the topic. Don’t cram, it’s honestly probably better to not study at all rather than try and cram. Spend some time each night rereading and studying so that when the night before the test comes you can focus on what you really need to understand better rather than trying to study an entire unit. </p>