Advanced Placement (AP) Exams might not be a walk in the park, but students will definitely have an easier time when they know what to expect. AP classes give high school students the opportunity to take college-level classes, preparing for the end-of-the-year AP Exam. If students score well on their AP Exams at the end of the year, they can earn college credits. To better prepare high school students, we’ve gathered important information students need to know to rock the AP Exams once May rolls around.

What to Expect From AP Exams

AP classes are a great opportunity for high school students to challenge their minds by learning college-level material. Most high schools offer a wide variety of AP classes that will not only prepare students for college but also help them stand out during the college admissions process. In order to earn college credit and skip introductory classes, students must pass their AP exams with a score that impresses colleges. Keep in mind, however, that different colleges have different requirements to earn AP credit. For instance, some schools will award AP credit to students receiving a 4 on the AP English Exam while other schools will only offer credit to students scoring a 5.

AP exams are standardized tests meant to measure how well students understand the complex material. Officials proctor the AP exams during the first two weeks of May, all over the country. Students taking the exams should plan ahead and be sure to check the exam dates and times for any changes.

Most of the exams last between two to three hours and offer a limited amount of breaks during the exam. The first part of the exam usually contains multiple-choice questions and scored by the number of questions answered correctly. It’s worth noting that students do not receive or lose points for incorrect answers or unanswered questions. The second part of the exam typically is a free-response section where students write their own answers out. On the day of the exam, students will have to sign their answer sheet indicating that they agree to all policies and procedures. Students also must sign the covers of their multiple-choice and free-response booklets for exam security purposes. The exam is designed to be challenging, but the material students learn in their AP class all year directly prepares students to tackle it.

Preparing for the AP Exams

Students will be preparing for their AP exams all year in their classes. It is important that students do their best on all homework assignments, tests, and ask their teachers for help with any difficult concepts. If students would like to feel extra prepared, they can take practice tests specifically geared toward the AP exam. This will make students feel comfortable with the types of questions and duration of the exam.

Students will perform their best by getting a good night sleep before exam day, eating breakfast, and drinking plenty of water. If students are taking more than one exam on the same day, they should pack a lunch and bring snacks to eat in between.

It’s normal for students to experience anxiety their AP exams, but preparation and knowing what to expect from the exam can help ease any anxiety. Students must remember to relax and pace themselves as they take the test. It’s best to go with their first instinct and trust that their AP class has prepared them for the challenge. Prepared students will be able to rock their AP exams this May.