By Mary Kay Floyd, Courier News Editor
It’s that time of the year again–cramming in your last minute studying, pulling all-nighters with red bulls, and skipping breakfast because you needed that extra 15 minutes in bed. You may think these strategies will help you pass your exam, but I hate to break it to you: they won’t. Here is what y’all AP students should do instead:
- Make a special AP daily routine.
You might have a daily school routine, but AP testing requires so much more attention when the time comes around. Planning and scheduling your day ahead will be so much more relieving and it also makes you feel organized. This way, you won’t have to worry.
- Study (Duh!)
I’m not talking about the late night study jam the night before the big test. Start studying two weeks in advance, for about 25-40 minutes each day or night. You can also study when you have nothing else to do in any of your classes, or when you’re waiting for something such as the bus. The goal here is to feel confident in getting a good score on your AP exam.
- Chill out.
AP exams are nerve racking, but the last thing you want is to blank out during your test. During your study sessions, take a 5-10 minute break. Drink water, eat a snack, and tell yourself that you will do fine. If you have time, you can also watch half of an episode of your favorite show each time you finish studying. Don’t go on a binge watching marathon though, as it may distract you from the rest of your routine.
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Eat breakfast.
A lot of people have a problem with this one. Stomach growling during a silent moment in class is embarrassing, but stomach growling during AP testing filled with many more students is worst. Your mind wanders from the test and starts worrying about the growl. To avoid this, eat breakfast the morning of your exam. It is important to make eating breakfast a habit as well, since it has many benefits.
- Sleep.
Maybe 8 hours of sleep isn’t possible for some people, so focus on a good night’s rest. Make your bed comfy, set your room temperature just right, and close your eyes.
- Celebrate after the test!
You just took the test and you feel confident that you did well. Now what? TREAT! YO! SELF! Go out and get some ice cream or watch a movie once you get home. Whatever it is, you’ve earned it.
