Hi! I am a sophomore in HS. I am taking two AP classes this year (AP Comp Sci and AP World) and I really want to self study for AP Psych. I have already bought the book and a set of flashcards (Barron’s book, 5 Steps flashcards), but I can never seem to find the time to study. I have only gone through about a quarter of the book so far (with highlighting), but since I don’t study it too often, the information does not stick in my head. Please do not tell me “You’re too busy, don’t take the exam,” because I am going to take this exam. How do I effectively study for this course and make the information stay with me? I’ve heard of people buying the book and cramming for the whole thing in one weekend and still getting a 5, but I can’t even imagine how that would work out. Please help me! Thanks!</p>
<p>Somebody please help! Even a few sentenced would be fine!!</p>
<p>When I’m trying to study for something, I found that writing notes helps me remember the information I’m reading. While you’re highlighting, try to write key points along the margins so that when you go back over it later, you can read those instead of trying to read through paragraphs of text. It might be difficult to get a 5 if you don’t have time to study, but try taking notes and/or looking at your flashcards for key terms (or make your own for the terms you think are important). Taking lots of practice tests will help too. I hope this helped at least a little bit!</p>
<p>A friend of mine took AP Psych last year and only used her review book for studying and she got a 4, which did earn her college credit. I have her review book now and I’m starting to use it because my school no longer offers AP Psych but I want to learn the material before I start college next fall (I’m majoring in Psychology so I don’t want to go in with no knowledge whatsoever!)</p>
<p>Good luck on the exam! Psych generally has pretty good scores compared to the other AP exams, so I’m sure you’ll do great. :)</p>
<p>Honestly, AP Psych is probably the easiest AP exam out there. I didn’t self study, I actually took it at school, but I never paid attention and the class was ridiculously easy to get an A in without really knowing anything. About a month before the exam, I bought a review book (I used the Princeton book) and in that month, I read the whole thing, taking notes on it. I basically reviewed and memorized every term and psychologist in that book. And the exam was a breeze, I got a 5. I definitely recommend a review book, take notes on all of it, make memory aids if you think it will help, and re-read your notes in the week before the exam. This makes the multiple choice super easy. The FRQ’s aren’t bad either, any review book will tell you how to answer those. </p>
<p>As for HOW to study, you have to figure out how you learn. For me, taking notes and reading helped the most, because that’s how I learn - reading and writing. If you are more of a visual learner, make concept maps and memory aids. Figure out how you learn and make it work for you. The most important thing to know for the AP Psych exam is the vocab and the psychologists. So define all of those and test yourself on them, with flashcards or practice exams or having someone read them aloud to you. Good luck!</p>
<p>I self studied psych last year. I would say finish reading/highlighting barron’s by spring break. It doesnt matter if it doesn’t stick in your head. During spring break and after, you must cram as hard as you can, review everyday. By then, the looming test date should stress you enough to make the information stick. Also, don’t worry about it. You don’t have to get every single question right on the exam to get a 5. Before the exam, make sure you know at least 90% of the key terms and do as many practice tests as you possibly can. Honestly, I did most of my work after the New Year. You’ll be fine. Good luck (:</p>
@sparkl3 @Bluelias Or anyone, Sorry this is late but what key terms? I am a sohpmore and have a SUPER EASY schedule next semester, (spanish and biology) and i would like more info on this… Where should i get information from before I buy one of the practice books?
Thanks
@schmonstar Key terms would be the vocabulary. Every review book should have all the key terms you need to know to do well on the exam. Usually they’ll be bolded or pointed out somehow. I would recommend that, when you are reading/taking notes from the review book, you write down definitions of key terms on a separate list. Then a few days before the actual exam just read through those definitions to lock them in your memory. I also include the names of psychologists/people as key terms. The name Carl Rogers, for example, isn’t really a vocabulary word like the word “self-concept” is, but you should know his name anyway. Same goes for all the other psychologists.
At the end of every chapter in the Princeton review, there is a list of key terms INCLUDING psychologists. Very useful. The Princeton review will be sufficient to get at least a 4 on the exam if you make good use of it. Barron’s in my opinion has harder practice questions, which could be a good thing or a bad thing, depends on what you want.
@schmonstar get Barron’s it covers everything! I went through Barron’s ONLY and got a 5. I borrowed PR from the library but didn’t use it… to any self studiers reading this, BARRON’S COVERS IT ALL!