AP (Advanced Placement) exam season is officially in session. 2026 AP exams will be administered, spanning over two weeks from May 4 to the final day of testing on May 18. With less than a month away from May, finding the motivation to study may seem difficult and stressful. Here are some tips and tricks to pass your exams with flying colors and keep your cool.
Tip #1: It is not about motivation, but discipline.
Staying motivated when academic pressure seems too much is a universal experience for students. Many late nights and papers can leave students feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, stopping many from studying altogether. What many students don’t realize is that motivation is unreliable and tends to fade quickly. Shift your mindset and study regardless of whether you want to or not. Discipline creates good study habits and helps you succeed on your exams.
Tip #2: Create a schedule.
The best way to ensure results is to plan things out. Create a schedule that is feasible and realistic, that you know you will be able to follow. According to an article by Athentify I.O., studies have shown that studying 2 to 4 hours a day is sufficient for good academic performance. Even though some students swear by all-nighters and unreasonably long hours of studying, Psychologist Ander Erricson states, “The elite violinists averaged 3.5 hours of deliberate practice per day… They practiced with full concentration in sessions lasting no more than 90 minutes, then took breaks.” Studying 2 to 4 hours a day from now to May is the best way to ensure passing with a score of 3 or above. Make sure to take many breaks in between study sessions.
Tip #3: Don’t procrastinate.
Many students fall into the trap of studying at the last minute. This is a sure-fire way to fail exams, unless you pass on a miracle. Depending on the AP course you are taking, there are different suggested study schedules. Heavier-loaded content courses and STEM classes, such as AP Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus, students should already be studying for. Lighter courses that are less technical, such as AP Environmental Science, Psychology, U.S. History, etc., students should start studying for them if they haven’t already. Pace yourself and make sure you allow yourself time to absorb information.
Tip #4: Practice makes progress, not perfection.
It is important to remember that you are more than your scores. Mental health comes first before scores! It is easy to get hung up on mistakes, but keep practicing. There are many online resources, such as mock exams on the Collegeboard, Quizlet flashcards, or even fun ways to memorize, such as testing yourself on Kahoot.
Many teachers on campus have different methods to help their students study. Mr. Jefferey Stepro, AP Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus teacher, says that “At the end of the year, we have a practice test for my students. The practice test is graded based on the student’s score. 5 equals 100%, 4 equals 80%, and so on.” Stepro hopes that this encourages the students to do well on the real test.
Mr. Michael Salaz, AP Environmental Science teacher, takes a different approach. “I post all the slides and Edpuzzles we have done throughout the year as study material. Students also have their infographics notebook that they have worked on since the beginning of the year to look back on.” Whatever method you or your teacher chooses, make the process fun and easier for yourself.
Following these tips and tricks will help you ace all your AP Exams. AP exam scores are to be released sometime in July, although an exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet. Until then, to all fellow students taking the exams in May, reading this, good luck.
