Last-Minute AP Exam Tips
As the May 2023 Advanced Placement (AP) exams approach, it’s crucial to make the most of your preparation. Even if you’ve studied consistently all year, these final days can still make a meaningful difference. Here are our top strategies to help you maximize your score—right up to test day.
Bubble in All Multiple-Choice Questions (mcqs) Immediately
When working on the multiple-choice section, always mark your answers directly on the answer sheet using a number 2 pencil. Do not circle answers on the question booklet with the intention of transferring them later. This habit wastes time and increases the risk of errors. Only the answer sheet will be graded—so bubble carefully and accurately as you go.
Pay Close Attention to Supplementary Materials
Pay close attention to the details in graphs, tables, images, maps, and data sets. These materials often contain key details, such as titles, sources, dates, or locations, that are easy to overlook. While some students skim through these visuals too quickly, sharp test-takers will take the time to read every label and note before answering. Accuracy often depends on spotting small but critical information that others might miss. For subjects like AP United States History, AP Environmental Science, and AP World History: Modern, integrating these visuals into your analysis is essential. For additional practice, explore our AP Test Prep programs.
Avoid Contradictory Responses
In free-response questions (FRQs), especially in AP English Language & Composition, AP United States Government & Politics, or AP Psychology, avoid including ideas that contradict each other. A single conflicting point can result in losing all credit for that section. Take a few seconds to reread your answers for logical flow and consistency.
Double-Check Free-Response Question Numbers
It’s surprisingly easy to mislabel questions on paper-based FRQs. Be sure each answer is correctly labeled with the proper question number. Mismarked or unnumbered responses may not be graded. We cover detailed Advanced Placement (AP) exam strategies like these in our subject-specific AP training programs, where precision and structure are always emphasized.
Write, Draw, and Calculate Legibly
Regardless of how strong a student’s understanding may be, they won’t earn points on Section 2 free-response questions (FRQs) if their handwriting, diagrams, or calculations are unreadable. Advanced Placement (AP) graders are not your high school teachers—they are not familiar with your writing style and will not tolerate sloppy nor rushed handwriting. Students must write clearly and consistently in either print or cursive, but never a mixture of both. Think from the grader’s perspective. What looks “fine” to you might be impossible for someone else to read. Losing points because of poor legibility is just as frustrating as mislabeling FRQ numbers—so take your time and prioritize clarity.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Know how many questions are on each section, and allocate your time accordingly. Don’t get stuck on one difficult question for too long. Make your best guess, mark it, and return if time allows. Effective time management is one of the top scoring factors we address in our AP exam prep courses.
Last-Minute Questions
If you have last-minute questions about your May 2023 Advanced Placement (AP) exam(s), please reach out to us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to help. Best of luck on the AP exams!
