How to Prepare for AP Exams in 2025
Maximize your AP exam success with strategic study tips, test-day strategies, and expert tutoring. Learn how preparation, resources, and time management can boost your scores!
What are AP exams?
Advanced Placement, or AP, exams are standardized tests in many subjects that allow high school students to earn college credit or waive prerequisite college courses if they score 3, 4, or 5 (each college can set its own requirements for different classes). These exams are taken in May after students have studied college-level subjects throughout the year, such as AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, and AP English Literature. AP exams have both multiple-choice and free-response questions. Here are some tips and strategies for succeeding on AP exams.
Why are AP exams important?
High AP exam scores, like good grades on a student’s transcript, indicate to college admissions officers that students are prepared for academic success in university courses. Scores of 4 or 5 look great on college applications, especially if students are applying to majors related to subjects on their AP exams. AP exam scores can help students gain admission by making their application more competitive.
Students who meet specific score criteria (such as scores of 3 or better on multiple exams) can also earn AP Scholar Awards, which may be part of college applications. Scores of 3, 4, or 5 can waive prerequisite college courses for students. They may take more advanced courses sooner, saving time and money. Taking AP courses in high school also prepares students for the workload and rigor of college. Students who score high on AP exams are also more competitive for scholarships offered by universities.
How to study for AP exams? Can you self-study for an AP exam?
When you're creating an AP exam study plan, you should follow these guidelines:
Start studying early and be consistent
Avoid procrastinating by spreading your AP test preparation over a longer time.
Set specific times per day or week only for AP test preparation.
Begin studying at least 2–3 months in advance.
Spread your preparation over time to avoid burnout.
Don’t wait until the last week or several days before AP exams to start reviewing.
Cramming at the last minute isn’t effective for learning.
Set a realistic study schedule
Dedicate specific times each day or week exclusively for AP prep.
Incorporate breaks to maintain focus and avoid fatigue.
The Pomodoro technique can help you manage your study and break time by dividing it into manageable chunks. For example, you can study for 45 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.
Preparation for AP exams starts as soon as classes begin. Doing well in AP classes naturally prepares you to do well on AP exams, too.
Utilize effective study techniques
Repetition: Use repetition as a study technique to reinforce your learning by reviewing key concepts multiple times. Flashcard applications like Quizlet can improve learning through repetition and active recall.
Practice Questions: practice past AP exam questions to get familiar with the test structure and style of questions.
Group Study: Collaborate with peers to share knowledge and strategies. Talking to other students about topics is an effective way to increase your understanding of the material. Collaboration encourages active studying, which is more effective than passive studying.
Review topics from class that were particularly difficult or confusing. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help. They are there to help you learn.
Leverage available resources
AP Tutoring - North Avenue Education offers expert tutoring for AP classes and exams.
Invest in AP exam study guides and books tailored to your subject. AP prep books are available to help students pinpoint which topics to review for each subject. These serve as study guides, presenting the most important topics. They also have practice AP exams, including multiple-choice and free-response questions.
Use online platforms offering interactive lessons, practice tests, and tutorials. Some universities, such as Stanford University, offer free videos online for some courses. Watching these is an excellent way to review for AP exams.
Explore study apps designed for AP exam preparation.
AP Exam Day Preparation
Bring No. 2 pencils, erasers, pens, a calculator (if necessary), and a photo I.D.
You are NOT allowed to bring water or food unless you have a pre-approved accommodation.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing to adjust to varying room temperatures.
AP Exam Tips
Arrive Early: Arriving at least 15–20 minutes early helps reduce stress and gives you time to prepare.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Practice meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.
Manage Your Time Wisely: Allocate time to each section, passage, or problem and stick to your plan. Avoid spending excessive time on a single question. Questions are equal in value. If you spend too much time on one question, you’ll have less time to answer questions you’re more likely to get right.
Tackle Open-Ended Questions Effectively: Outline your answers before writing to organize your thoughts. For essay questions, outline the main idea of each paragraph to support your argument.
How long is each exam? What is the format of AP exams?
Different exams have varying lengths and formats, so reviewing the details using the College Board’s AP Central website is essential.
For example, the following all include multiple-choice and free-response questions:
AP Physics 1 exam length: 3 hours long.
AP English Language exam length: 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
AP Biology exam length: 3 hours long.
AP Macroeconomics exam length: 2 hours and 10 minutes.
AP Tutoring and Test Prep
If you're finding yourself at the last minute before AP exams or require focused help, hiring a tutor can be a valuable step in boosting your preparation and confidence. Struggling with specific topics may create anxiety, but an experienced tutor can provide much-needed clarity and targeted practice to enhance your understanding.
North Avenue Education offers a plethora of affordable and experienced AP tutors ready to assist you:
Strategically partnering with the right AP tutor can help you reach your maximum AP exam performance!
Conclusion
To succeed on your AP exams, review consistently, utilize the above study strategies and resources, and stay relaxed on exam day. Remember that your future college success isn’t solely dependent on how well you do on AP exams - they're just one aspect to strengthen your candidate profile. Just try your best! Even if you don’t score as high as you hoped, preparing for AP exams will help prepare you for your academic journey in college. Book a consult today to discuss being matched with an expert AP tutor at North Avenue Education!
About the Author
