If you're in the same boat as I am, you're studying for AP exams this weekend because those terrifying tests begin on Monday. Correction: you're frantically cramming for AP exams this weekend because you've procrastinated long enough, and you need to get your life together by Monday. I feel you.
So, what can we do, at this point? I've compiled a list of study tips that might help a fellow test-taker.
1. Set time aside to study. Plan your day ahead of time. If you know you only have twenty minutes between the time school gets out and the time practice starts, maybe you should skip studying in those twenty minutes. By the time you take all your study materials out, you'll be crunched for time. Instead, plan to dedicate a few, focused hours to your course after practice. That way, your mind will not be in a jumble, and you will feel more obligated to sit down and focus. This will be more efficient than frantically cramming every free second you have.
2. Take breaks. If you feel your mind wandering, get up and follow it. Wander around. Take a walk around the house, or even outside. AP exams are, unfortunately, timed just when the weather feels nice. Even so, you can take advantage of a nature walk to refocus your mind on the material at hand.
3. Eat mind-boosting snacks. Or any snacks you want. Junk food is great. Whatever helps you focus. Usually, the night before a test, I try to eat so-called "brain foods," such as salmon, avocado, walnuts, and such. Maybe it's just a mental thing, but I swear this stuff helps my brain focus and think clearer the next day.
4. Check your progress. This might mean keeping a to-do list of what you have done, what you are doing, and what you still need to finish. This will help you stay on track for success; if you find that you might not make it to everything you wanted to study, prioritize.
5. Test yourself. Studies (and psychology textbooks) have shown that when students periodically test themselves on the material they're studying, they tend to remember it better. Even a short self-check quiz at the end of a chapter can help. Even if you get answers wrong, the act of making your mind think and answer questions will help you remember correct answers in the future.
6. Relax. My dad always tells me to "relax, and have fun with it." Even though I tend to be nervous about a test, it really is important to relax. Stressing yourself out unnecessarily can hinder your performance. And remember, this one test isn't everything; it will not determine your future! Even if you don't do well on it, life goes on. It'll be okay!
