Candy child carrots, is it that point of the yr once more? The Superior Placement or AP exams are across the nook so that you’ve come right here to both have a urgent query answered or to study how you can examine to your AP exams extra effectively (or each). We get it. The AP exams are a large deal: that is your probability to get your tertiary schooling off to a wonderful begin, whereas additionally probably saving a number of money and time on faculty tuition if you happen to rating properly.
That’s what we’re going that will help you do with this AP examine information, so strap in; we’ve acquired the solutions you’re in search of!
Hello! We’re Brainscape
We’re the brains, minds, and hearts behind the world’s smartest examine app. You’ll be studying extra about Brainscape in the course of the course of this information however, for now, know that we’ve introduced collectively a few of the smartest individuals in AP to compile this examine information, in addition to a complete assortment of AP topic flashcards.
Our assortment continues to develop however proper now, inside our Data Genome, you’ll discover licensed flashcards for:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP European Historical past
- AP French
- AP Authorities
- AP Physics
- AP Psychology
- AP Spanish
- AP US Historical past
- AP World Historical past
Plus, you’ll discover many different customers’ collections of flashcards for the opposite AP topics ranked in response to reputation, which tells you which ones collections are the most effective and most trusted.
These flashcards leverage many years’ of cognitive science analysis—and highly effective studying rules like spaced repetition—that will help you study the information TWICE as quick as you'd utilizing conventional examine methods. So get ‘em in your nook to lend some rocket gas to your AP examination prep!
Now, with that introduction out of the way in which, let’s start by answering a number of of your FAQs earlier than sharing with you our greatest recommendations on how you can examine for AP exams.
FAQ on AP exams
What are AP exams?
Superior Placement or AP examinations are provided in the USA as soon as per yr, usually in Could, by the Faculty Board. The exams themselves are the end result of year-long programs, of which there are 38 provided globally, starting from Artwork, Humanities, and Languages to Psychology, Physics, and Arithmetic.
(Take a look at Brainscape’s complete collections of licensed AP Topic flashcards.)
AP programs are basically designed to put together college students for college-level work by providing a extra accelerated strategy to the normal programs provided in highschool. They will additionally rely as faculty credit, offered college students carry out properly in them, which may find yourself saving them money and time on faculty tuition.
In different phrases: there’s rather a lot at stake so that you can rating these 5’s!
How lengthy are AP exams?
Most in-person AP exams are between 2 and three hours lengthy. College students who're nonetheless studying remotely can take the digital examination at dwelling, which is 3 hours lengthy.
Seek advice from the Faculty Board web site for up-to-date info on AP examination timing and construction.
Methods to register for AP exams in 2023
- Make sure you’ve joined your class part on-line. (Haven’t achieved that? Comply with these directions.)
- Register—or verify your current registration—in My AP. This can let your coordinator know that you just plan to take the examination, and they'll order it for you. (If you happen to don’t see the “register” button, it means you’ve been robotically registered.)
- Discuss to your college AP coordinator about paying examination charges. They'll gather charges instantly from you. (You can not pay by means of the Faculty Board web site.)
- Upon getting chosen to register, the date and time of your examination will seem in your course card in My AP. Your AP coordinator will let you recognize when and the place to report to your exams.
For extra detailed info on how you can register for AP exams, try this web page on the Faculty Board web site.
When are AP exams in 2023?
AP exams typically happen yearly in the course of the first two weeks of Could.
- The 2023 AP Exams might be administered from Could 1 - 5 and Could 8 - 12. Full 2023 AP examination schedule right here.
Are you able to retake AP exams?
You may retake an AP examination however you’ll should watch for the next yr, when it’s administered once more. If you happen to do determine to retake, each scores might be reported in your file, except you request that one be withheld or canceled.
Our 8 greatest recommendations on how you can examine for AP exams
Tip # 1: Create detailed examine plan and schedule
The AP exams cowl a number of materials and since many college students tackle a number of AP topics directly, you’ll must have a clear plan of motion if you happen to’re to get every thing achieved within the months or weeks forward of your take a look at dates. And so, we suggest that you just embark upon your research first by drawing up an in depth examine plan that breaks down every AP topic into each day or weekly examine objectives.
Maintain every purpose achievable however with every day masking sufficient new materials so that you just arrive to your exams totally ready, with out having to cram. (However if you happen to do slip up, learn: ‘Methods to cram for a take a look at, if you happen to should’.)
Tip # 2: Use flashcards that leverage spaced repetition to memorize content material effectively
Flashcards are confirmed to be probably the most environment friendly solution to bear in mind a number of content material. Additionally they make mountains of labor really feel an entire lot extra approachable, so downloading a flashcard app like Brainscape to your units provides you a tremendous handy manner to check to your AP exams actually effectively, wherever you go, and in any spare snatches of time you may need.
You may simply make your personal flashcards (which, in itself, helps you course of and bear in mind info) or you may dive into Brainscape’s expert-curated AP collections, which have already damaged down the latest AP curriculum into flashcards for you, saving you a TON of time!
The query (left) and reply aspect (proper) of certainly one of Brainscape’s AP Biology flashcards. By score how properly you knew the reply to a flashcard on a scale of 1 to five, you identify how continuously you’ll see it once more. On this manner, Brainscape (1) automates the evaluation course of, (2) drills you in your weaknesses, and (3) saves you time on reviewing ideas you already know properly.
What units Brainscape other than different examine apps is that it applies the potent studying energy of spaced repetition. With each flashcard, you’ll be requested to self-assess how properly you knew the reply. (This self-reflection—referred to as metacognition—is one other cognitive trick for remembering info faster.)
Then, you fee on a scale of 1 to five how properly you knew that idea, with 1 being “under no circumstances” and 5 being “totally assured”. Our subtle spaced repetition algorithm will then decide the excellent interval at which to indicate you that card once more.
If you recognize the idea very well, you gained’t see it once more for some time. However if you happen to didn’t comprehend it in any respect, you’ll see it once more in a number of playing cards’ time. On this manner, Brainscape drills you in your weaknesses till they turn out to be strengths, whereas saving you time on reviewing the ideas you’re already assured in.
So, if you wish to examine for the AP exams extra effectively, undoubtedly get Brainscape’s AP topic flashcards in your nook!
Tip # 3: Regularly evaluation what you coated earlier than
Many college students make the epic mistake of learning in a linear style: from the start of their topic to the tip with out ever wanting again to evaluation what they coated earlier than. Sadly, the mind doesn’t retain info it doesn’t use continuously and so by the point these college students arrive for his or her exams, they’ve forgotten a number of what they studied initially of their prep. #panic
To keep away from this, it’s essential that you just schedule a little bit of time each day to evaluation what you realized the times earlier than. For instance, let’s say you cowl “Chapter 1” on day 1 of your prep. If you happen to evaluation that content material on day 2, day 4, day 7, day 14, and day 21, by the point you sit to your examination, you’ll be fully fluent in chapter 1’s content material.
This can be a fully arbitrary unfold of revision dates however the level is that you just, at first, continuously evaluation the content material, after which once more in longer intervals of time so that you just refresh your reminiscence at simply the suitable cadence so that you just always remember it. Brainscape automates this revision timeline so all it's a must to do is hit the “examine” button and, inside a number of flashcard rounds’ time, be fully caught up on what you studied beforehand!
Tip # 4: Research somewhat bit each day, quite than cramming
It is much better to check for half-hour a day than it's to drag an all-nighter earlier than an examination. Positive, it’s been achieved earlier than however a sleep-deprived mind is sort of a sieve for info. You simply aren’t going to retain the information you want with a view to do properly.
So, a number of weeks out out of your exams—perhaps even months if you happen to’ve signed up for a number of AP topics—make that detailed examine plan and dedicate somewhat time each day to working in the direction of the last word purpose of acing your AP exams.
Higher but, use Brainscape to maintain observe of your progress so that you just all the time know the place you might be as a proportion of topic mastery. Additionally, by utilizing our app for as little as 10-20 minutes a day, you may make sure that you steadily progress in the direction of, and smash these examine objectives.
For recommendation on how you can construct these robust each day examine habits, try the linked free Learner’s Academy information or watch this video on our YouTube channel:
Tip # 5: If you happen to’re losing interest, combine issues up
Spreading your research out over an extended time period ought to assist to stop excessive examine burnout however, nonetheless, there are these days the place you simply can’t deal with the considered one other textbook web page. When the boredom hits, shake issues up by utilizing a totally different examine method, media, and even surroundings:
- As a substitute of constructing examine notes, draw up an idea map for instance how varied necessary information are hyperlinks;
- Observe questions or fixing issues (if related to your AP topic);
- Use Brainscape’s flashcards to (1) evaluation older content material and (2) break new floor;
- Research someplace totally different, like a espresso store or library;
- Use the Feynman Method to bolster what you’ve realized (see tip # 6); and
- Create a examine group to carry your self and others accountable (see tip # 7).
Bear in mind, the important thing right here is to actually interact with what you’re studying so if the textbook is starting to bore you (because it most actually will after the third straight hour of studying) it’s time to change over to extra partaking strategies, like flashcards, idea maps, query apply, social learning, and even instructing, and so forth. In different phrases: strategies that compel you to really use what you’ve realized.
Additionally, ensure you’re taking respectable examine breaks. If you happen to really feel burned out, it might be since you’re hammering the books too laborious, with out taking any breaks for processing and rejuvenation. Learn: ‘How and when to take examine breaks for optimum studying’.
Tip # 6: Educate the topic aloud to actually ingrain it
If you wish to take a look at how properly you recognize an idea, chapter, or topic, train it aloud as if the “individual” (or comatose pet) you’re explaining it to is aware of completely nothing. This compels you to elucidate the topic from the bedrock upwards, scaffolding your information and logically connecting the information as you do.
If you happen to hit a snag, you’ve simply recognized a weak spot, which you need to then deal with with analysis or questions. Additionally, make a flashcard for that reality so that you just always remember it once more! This technique of learning is known as the Feynman Method and it’s some of the highly effective strategies for (1) internalizing the information you’ve been learning and (2) figuring out any chinks in your armour!
Learn: ‘Use the Feynman Method to make information STICK’
Tip # 7: Solely examine in teams with a plan
Group examine is nice for holding you accountable however provided that you go into it with a plan. Each participant must be critical about studying and come to the desk with a portion of the work ready—maybe by pre-making flashcards for a chapter, for instance. Everybody also needs to have questions prepared so that you could examine effectively, deal with your weaknesses collectively, and keep away from getting distracted by the social facet of being in a bunch.
Learn: ‘When to check in teams, and how you can do it’.
Tip # 8: Handle your bodily well-being
Your mind is admittedly your greatest instrument for passing your AP exams, so maintaining it completely satisfied (learn: wholesome) is essential if you wish to study faster, bear in mind longer, and usually function like a query murderer in that examination room! Your mind (and physique) wants (1) correct hydration, (2) respectable sleep, (3) a wholesome, balanced weight loss plan, (4) de-stressing, and (5) common train with a view to function optimally so ensure you handle your bodily wellbeing all through examination time and your mind will function your ally.
Learn: ‘Optimize your mind well being for efficient learning’.
A closing phrase on how you can examine for AP exams
So there you've gotten it! The solutions to your AP examination FAQs and our best possible recommendations on how you can examine for AP exams effectively. To recap briefly:
Tip # 1: Create detailed examine plan and stick with it
Tip # 2: Use flashcards that leverage spaced repetition to memorize content material effectively
Tip # 3: Regularly evaluation what you coated earlier than (so that you just don’t overlook something)
Tip # 4: Research somewhat bit each day, quite than cramming
Tip # 5: If you happen to’re losing interest, change up your examine strategies, media, and surroundings
Tip # 6: Educate the topic aloud to actually ingrain it (the Feynman Method)
Tip # 7: Solely examine in teams with a plan
Tip # 8: Handle your bodily well-being
For much more wonderful examine recommendation, try the Brainscape’s Academy for a very free library of examine guides on every thing from focus, habits, and motivation, to vocab studying, flashcards, and reminiscence. Armed with this recommendation, our AP Topic flashcards, and your studious ambition, you’ll have the instruments you have to rise to the problem of your AP exams!