Written by Krishay RastogiIt's been a week since the 2024 AP scores were out! If you scored a 5, congratulations—send that score to colleges without worry. A 4? Also great, and worth sending for college credit. Got a 3? Many colleges still accept it for credit, though top schools might not. Consider reporting it unless it's crucial for your intended major. For example, if you are planning to major in CS and got a 3 in AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, or AP Calculus – maybe don't send those. Scores of 2 or 1 won’t earn you credit and shouldn’t be reported on applications. But remember, AP scores are just one part of your academic profile—your GPA and extracurriculars matter more. So, relax and be proud of your efforts!
Whether you're looking to maintain your performance or boost your score, now's the perfect time to start planning for next year's exams. Let's break down some strategies that can help you achieve your AP goals:
1. Start Early and Study Smart
Don't wait until the last minute to start studying. Begin your review well in advance with short, daily sessions. This consistent approach helps reinforce your knowledge. A great time to start studying would be about 2-3 months before your exam. Plan to study more within any breaks that are within that time frame. Use a tool like Selfplanr to help manage your time here.
2. Select High-Quality Study Resources
Choosing the right study materials can make a world of difference in your AP prep. Look for resources that:
Provide comprehensive coverage of the exam content
Include detailed explanations for answers to help you understand concepts
Are updated to reflect the most recent changes in the AP curriculum
To make your lives easier, we have compiled a list of the most effective study/review guides after extensive research and student feedback.
($10 each) AP Ultimate Review Handbook
These handbooks, available for almost every AP subject, can be up to 200 pages long and have in-depth content review sections, covering all major topics and subtopics. We’ve noticed they tend to use simpler language for easier comprehension and include examples to help solidify each concept. Overall, an excellent resource for thorough and understandable AP exam preparation.
These types of guides tend to go up in price as the exam deadline nears, so we would recommend buying these ahead of time. Right now they are priced at $10 each, which we believe offers great value for the content provided.
($25 each) Princeton AP Prep Books
These full-length textbooks are perfect for starting an AP course. Reading along with your class topics throughout the year helps reinforce your understanding, which prevents the need for last-minute cramming.
Their books are heavily focused on test-taking strategies and tips so this is particularly helpful if you're looking to become more efficient in tackling the test.
A combination of these resources will help you get that 5 in whatever AP course you take!
BONUS: Heimler’s History AP Review Guides ($30 each)
The AP Heimler Review Guide is available for all history AP courses, and it includes fun and engaging videos, multiple full-length practice exams, and notes for each video.
This is only available for AP US History, AP World History, AP US Government, AP Human Geography, and AP European History.
3. Craft a Personalized Study Schedule
One of the keys to AP success is consistent, well-planned study sessions. Here's how to create an effective schedule:
Assess your current knowledge and identify areas that need more attention
Break down your study material into manageable chunks
Allocate more time to challenging topics
Include regular review sessions to reinforce what you've learned
Be realistic about your other commitments and schedule study time accordingly
Build in breaks to avoid burnout
Creating and sticking to a personalized study schedule can be challenging, but tools like Selfplanr can help you manage your time effectively and stay on track.
4. Grind Out Practice Exams
There's no substitute for hands-on practice when it comes to AP exam prep. Here's why practice exams are crucial:
They familiarize you with the exam format and question types
They help you practice time management under exam conditions
They identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your study efforts
They build your confidence and reduce test anxiety
Aim to take multiple full-length practice exams in the weeks leading up to your AP test. Review your answers carefully, paying special attention to the questions you got wrong or found challenging.
In conclusion, preparing for AP exams requires dedication, smart study strategies, and most importantly –the right resources. By starting early, using high-quality study materials, creating a personalized study plan, and practicing extensively, you're setting yourself up for success. Good luck on your AP journey—you've got this!