Though the warm weather that May brings is appreciated by many students, the AP tests that come along can be dreadful. Whether it’s your first time taking one AP test or you’re dealing with five at once, the anticipation is overwhelming. Though some exams are more challenging than others, students always wonder when the right time to start studying is. and what the best way to study is.
Ashley Payne, a junior at B-CC, believes every exam needs some level of preparation. Payne said, “Most of the time, the right time to start studying is 3–4 weeks before, to grasp all the topics from the class.” Giving yourself time to review and practice the material will help you figure out where you stand and how ready you really are. But of course, your individual timing can depend on your personal goals.
Lorelei Keeney-Gomez, another junior at B-CC, explained how her goals determine how much she studies. “I want to score a 4 or 5 on my AP Bio exam, so that is the one that I will have to study the most for.” Lorelei demonstrates that not all exams require the same level of effort. Some students might already feel confident enough in a subject, while others may need to spend more time reviewing certain topics.
Grace Timmons, also a junior, agrees that it depends on the class. “When it comes to studying for AP classes, I definitely think they require more studying compared to on-level classes,” she said. “I also think it really depends on the type of class being taken.” For example, an AP science or history course often includes more content, which means more time reviewing notes, vocab, and practice questions. In contrast, classes like AP English might focus more on reading and writing skills, which call for a different type of prep.
Study methods also vary from student to student. Keeney-Gomez shared, “I like studying with a group of people and rewriting all my notes.” Group study can help break down complex ideas and make reviewing less stressful. On the other hand, Timmons recommended something more structured. “I would definitely recommend getting a Princeton Review book to prepare for your exam, as well as taking online practice tests.” These study tools give students a chance to practice under test-like conditions and check how well they know the material.
As AP exams inch their way closer to reality, being prepared matters more than ever. Whether you’re reviewing with friends, going over flashcards, or doing teacher-assigned prep work, figuring out when and how to study can make a huge difference. The AP exams may be stressful, but with the right timing and strategies, they can be manageable.
