Cramming is back in season! Time to bring out the caffeine because AP tests are coming up soon. Whether it’s to earn college credit, get a grade boost, or please your parents, many BEHS will be taking one or multiple AP Exams this May. AP testing is surrounded by uncertainties and unanswered questions, warranting a walkthrough of everything from studying to testing day.
Grant Atkinson (11), a seasoned AP veteran, sheds light on this. He says “The block scheduling that we have here at Brookfield East is the most challenging aspect of AP testing. It is disadvantageous to high-achieving students because the gap between first-term courses and AP tests is horrible.” In a normal schedule, students would be able to study in class up to the testing date. Without year-long classes, students can easily forget a lot of the material. Still, there is a simple, often avoided answer to this issue: Studying.
For a first-time AP test taker, there still might be some anxiety about how to start studying. Blake Peplinski, a senior who has also taken countless AP tests shares advice on how to study for AP tests. “Doing practice tests helps with test timing. Knowing how long to spend on each question is a timing skill gained from taking these tests.” Combined with other resources such as AP classrooms and YouTube review videos, taking practice tests will be a surefire way to achieve excellence in AP testing.
Atkinson (11) shares further advice on when to begin the studying process. When asked when to begin, he says “Yesterday.” This answer may seem trivial, yet it highlights the nature of test preparation–you can never start too early!
On the day of testing, Peplinski (12) brings up another fair point: “Eat protein. Eat well.” You really don’t want to be running on energy drinks during testing day, and therefore eating a healthy breakfast is crucial.
For those who haven’t had any AP testing experience, both Atkinson and Peplinski have words of wisdom. Atkinson says “Don’t stress. Worst case scenario you do bad and you can just forget it happened.” Peplinski shares a similar message “It is just a good experience for test-taking that can benefit you on future tests.”
When asked about how he approaches the test, Atkinson gives insight into his view: “Tests are puzzles, puzzles are games, games are fun.” While it may be hard to see tests as fun, the underlying attitude is a great takeaway for AP students. An AP test is exactly what it sounds like, nothing more. It isn’t a way to measure intelligence or character. It is only a puzzle, and it is crucially important that we see it as such.
Full Interview:
- What is the hardest part about AP testing to you?
Grant: Block scheduling makes AP testing difficult. The gap between testing and exams is difficult.
Blake: Time management is difficult. You don’t know the time, so doing practice tests is very helpful.
- How do you study for AP Tests?
Grant: I do the same thing.
Blake: I watch a review video in the morning and then I go and ace the exam
- How do you manage stress for upcoming AP tests?
Grant: Remember and keep the mentality that tests are puzzles puzzles are games games are fun
Blake: I forget about the test. Then I convince myself I’m going to fail so there’s no pressure.
- Why do you take AP Tests?
Grant: My mom makes me.
Blake: So I don’t have to take classes in college. Grade boost is really slay. Class rank is also really slay.
- Do you have any advice for anyone who hasn’t taken an AP Test before?
Grant: Relax. Worst case scenario you do bad and you forget it ever happened.
Blake: It is a good test-taking experience.
- Do you have any funny AP test stories?
Grant: I draw a smiley face on my hand to make sure my pen works.
Blake: Last year, I was taking AP Physics I and II, I was crammed, and II was empty.
Lucas Callies: I pulled my shoulder in my writing hand.
- Any advice for the testing day?
Grant: Tests are puzzles, puzzles are games, games are fun!
Blake: Hand conditioning so it doesn’t cramp. Eat well. Protein
- When do you start studying for AP tests?
Grant: Depends on the class. Night before. Yesterday
Blake: Yesterday
- Anything else like to share?
Grant:
Blake: Have fun. Don’t pay the late fee just take the test
