AP Exam Tips

1. Try to relax before the exam. Do some deep breathing or meditation while thinking
positive thoughts. You have learned a ton this year… just try to show what you know.

2. As with any exam, try to sleep well and eat well for a few days before the test. Eating a
good breakfast the day of the test is helpful too. Avoid too much sugar or caffeine that
may cause you to “crash.” Carbs and proteins are good.

3. Make a study guide with 50 terms and important people on it that you can review the
day of the test. Avoid cramming or being overwhelmed at the last minute… but this sort
of review can be helpful.

4. Expect 100 multiple choice (MC) questions in 70 min and 2 FRQs in 50 min. There
will be a short break between the multiple choice section and the FRQs.

5. Bring 2 sharp pencils for the MC and 2 blue or black pens for the FRQs.

6. DON”T bring any electronic devices into the room. This includes phones, iPods and
calculators. Just having one of these in the room can void your test.

Multiple Choice Strategies

1. The first few questions are usually easier, don’t worry if the questions seem like they
are getting harder as the test goes on… they are.

2. Read the questions carefully and look at all answers before selecting the BEST answer.

3. Double check your answers for questions with words like “EXCEPT” and “NOT.”

4. Keep an eye on the clock – you can write your start and end time on your test booklet
if the proctor does not write it on the board. You should bring a watch (not a phone) in
case you can’t see the room’s clock easily. Remember you have 42 sec per question.

5. If you are a slow reader, you may want to save questions with lots of text until the end.

6. Answer questions you know well first, then go back and work on the harder ones.

7. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you don’t know the answer
quuickly skip it and come back to it later.

8. It is worth guessing even if you just have a “hunch” or can eliminate one wrong
answer. Don’t leave more than 3-5 answers blank on the test.

9. Remember, 50-60% right on the MC is often enough to score a 3 or more!