AP tests have proven to be one of the toughest standardized tests that students can ever take. These tests are developed to assess the knowledge of a student in a particular AP course.
However, if you are a student and have registered for any AP test, it is critical that you arrive at the exam hall with only what the College Board requires.
Read on to find out what you must bring to an AP test, what you must never bring, and some tips that will enable you to do well in an AP test.
What Am I Expected To Bring To An AP Test?
When coming for an AP test, make sure that you come with the following materials:
- HB or No. 2 pencils that you will use to answer multiple-choice questions.
- Blue or black pen, which will be used to fill in personal details on the exam booklets.
- If the test you’re taking allows it, bring a good calculator.
- If you are not a student of the school where the exam is held, you are expected to go along with a valid government-issued or school-issued photo ID.
- Ensure that you follow through with your College Board SSD accommodations if you are taking the test with approved testing accommodations.
- A watch that is free of any internet connection and does not make any sound in any way.
- A ruler if you are sitting for the AP Physics exam.
- If you are taking an AP language test, you can only use a digital recording device that meets the requirements of the AP program.
- Only AP language tests, like the AP Chinese and AP Japanese Language and Culture Exams, let you use a computer that meets the requirements of the AP program.
What Am I Not Expected To Bring To An AP Test?
When coming for an AP test, make sure that you don’t come with the following materials:
- If you are going to take the AP physics exams, do not go along with protractors.
- Electronic devices of any form, ranging from phones to cameras down to recording equipment.
- Watches that make sounds.
- Unapproved computers and calculators.
- All forms of food or drink
- Scratch papers of any form.
- Books and study materials
- Protractors, dictionaries, and correction fluid
9 Study Tips That Will Enable You To Excel In Any AP Test
AP tests are known to be very difficult and highly technical. They basically offer an insight into how the tests and exams that you will write in college are going to be.
However, you can excel in any AP test or exam if you study right. Below are some study tips that will bring about excellent performance in any AP test or exam:
1. Study early
All AP courses are known to have a very rigorous curriculum.
Unlike high school classes that do not really offer an in-depth knowledge of some topics, AP courses deeply delve into any topic that is treated, just like the university.
So, the study materials and notes that you will take in any AP class are always very comprehensive.
However, to ensure that you read each piece of material given to you, start studying many months before the scheduled day of the test or exam.
2. Study smart
Each AP course has its own syllabus.
So, no matter the topic you fall in love with, make sure that you stick to the syllabus only while reading and abide by what you are taught in class.
Test and exam questions will always come from what was discussed in class and what is contained in your study material; reading what is not there is a guarantee for failure.
3. Use a study schedule
A good study schedule can help you cover the study materials and the entire coursework well before the test or exam.
However, make sure that you devote all of your time to studying.
If you have decided to take AP classes in school, it is an indication that you are prepared to do away with some of your extracurriculars.
4. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated while studying is very important.
Drinking water consistently will boost your energy levels and keep your mind refreshed, preventing exhaustion.
Moreover, staying hydrated will boost your focus levels and is actually a healthy way to study.
So, while studying for an AP test or exam, make sure that you have a bottle of water beside you.
5. Practice tests
Practice tests are a great way to assess your level of preparedness for the main exams.
It enables you to assess if you know enough and to find out the study areas that you must still work on.
Furthermore, taking practice tests prior to the main event allows you to learn how questions are set in the test or exam.
So, while studying for any AP test, take enough practice tests before the big day.
6. Evaluate yourself in a similar test setting
Acquainting yourself with the test long before D-Day is a great idea.
However, taking mock tests while using things like a timer and ensuring that no study material is around while you are actually doing so will help you immensely.
Timing yourself while taking tests can enable you to evaluate how long it will take you to provide answers to certain sections.
A timer will also enable you to identify sections that will take longer to answer, so you can devise a great technique that will enable you to tackle questions there.
7. Don’t go into the test without obtaining your desired clarifications
If you have any questions that arose while studying for the AP test, ensure that you obtain clarifications before stepping into the test or exam hall.
The best source of answers for any AP exam or test is your teacher.
In case your teacher is not accessible at any point, you can obtain answers from those that have already taken the test.
On the other hand, no matter how embarrassing the question may be, don’t shy away from asking it because it is far better to know the answer to a stupid question than to see the same question in an exam without knowing how to tackle it.
8. Engage in tactical study
The AP exams are very technical. However, you can study effectively for it by engaging in tactical study.
If you know that you are way behind in the study materials for the test and that your friends or colleagues have studied ahead of you, the best thing to do is to study on your own.
Once you have completed all of your study materials, you can choose to participate in group study where you can exchange ideas on attempting questions and quiz yourself on topics that you have read thus far.
9. Take advantage of extra resources
Besides the recommended textbooks that your school may give you in class, ensure that you look for extra materials to prepare yourself effectively for any AP test or exam.
If you don’t know what books to read, ask your teacher for recommendations or inquire about study materials that previous AP test takers found useful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On What To Bring To An AP Test
AP classes are very beneficial. It will prepare you for the rigorous coursework of college and empower you with the academic skills needed for college even before gaining admission. Also, taking AP classes increases your admission chances and boosts your GPA.
Yes, it is worth paying for an AP exam. By taking AP exams, a student can acquire college credits, which automatically cuts down on their tuition costs in school.
Although AP classes and tests are highly beneficial, they take a lot of time and can make schoolwork more overwhelming.
If you fail an AP exam or test, you will not receive college credit for that course. However, a poor grade will not have any effect on your GPA.
Conclusion
Taking unauthorized materials to an AP test hall is a bad decision. It could get you into trouble with the examiners.
So, when going for any AP test, ensure that you carry along only the materials that you will need that have been listed in this article.
Moreover, before the exam day, ensure that you check the school or center where the exam is being given to know where your hall is located and that you are there early enough on the day of the test or exam.
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