This year, I took AP World History, but I feel like I started reading Princeton entirely too late. I think I opened it a week and a half before the exam. Can any vets give me tips on when’s the best time to start reviewing? (Also, did anyone use their review book throughout the year as a textbook supplement?)
I started self-studying AP Micro and Macro in February. Studied all February, and then started reviewing in the weekends during March - April. Got 5s.
I typically try to start a month out, depending on the class. If I feel that my teacher is going to provide a lot of in-class review, I don’t bother reviewing on my own except a week or a few days before. In addition, I’ve found that for some AP classes review books are unnecessary (for me at least).
If you’re taking multiple APs: PRIORITIZE. Try to start reviewing the harder classes earlier, since the info is not going to sink in enough if you read a review book too closely to the test date. Also, figure out your weaknesses and attack those first. It also doesn’t hurt to check out what topics the test will cover the most.
I haven’t used a review book as a supplement (well my AP bio and AP physics b teachers insisted on using review books as a replacement for textbooks, but that’s a different story), but I imagine it would be very helpful for understanding more difficult topics.
All in all, I’ve realized that review tactics are pretty situational, depending on difficulty, teachers, and time. I took 7 APs this year, and my review book start times ranged from a 2-3 weeks out for AP bio to a few days before the AP usgov and AP macro tests.
experience: I’ve taken 13 APs and gotten eleven 5s and two 4s
Great post and advice from @silmaril ! I would agree to study the harder subjects first and focus on them. I know this year for myself Calc is going to be my #1 priority where as government and others probably won’t be. I would also search on here for the best prep books for classes you are taking. There are quite a few detailed posts that give great feedback on the review books. I did it wrong the the first time and bought useless prep books that barely helped me at all.