Ever wanted to test the limits of human endurance? Unlock the 25th hour?
Well now’s your moment because it’s the time of year every student knows and loves: AP exams season!
So with that, here are some 100% foolproof, A+ guaranteed methods for studying for APs.
Creating the Perfect Study Environment
Nothing beats absolute focus than a nice environment to be in for an unspecified period of time.
Choose the most cluttered desk. Yeah sure, psychology articles like Plaudify might say “A study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter in our surroundings competes for our attention, making it harder to focus on tasks at hand.”
Take out all your materials and…don’t even touch them until 11:59 p.m. I find that spending all my time playing games to be most productive.
But maybe, just maybe, you’re one of those rare, mythical students who genuinely wants to study. So with that said, here are what fellow students had to say.
“My usual study routine is figuring out what I want to study before grabbing some notes and some YouTube videos to watch about it,” junior Olive Ly said.
We all wish we were even half as good at studying as Ly. Alas, it will never be.
“Over the years, a lot of teachers have recommended for me to do like a practice test,” senior Chris Lee said. “Although sitting down for like an hour and 30 minutes and doing like one full practice-length exam is really tough. But then it kind of gets me into studying for the AP test.”
He continued by describing a strategy he often uses, which involves writing everything he needs to know and memorize.
English teacher Abraham Kim reflected back on how he used to study long before the times where you could plug a question into Gemini or search for videos related to a topic.
“A month before the AP test, [I’d go] to the library and borrow those big study guides,” Kim said. “And from there, I’d just cram the book, rereading it multiple times over and oversee where any potential holes might be in my knowledge of the content material.”
Procrastination
Now I’m not the best at giving advice about studying. You can clearly see that in the previous section. But I am a master at providing ways you can procrastinate. Just as you’re finally beginning to study, why not go get a glass of water?
I mean, we all deserve to be hydrated as we sit and stare at a screen. And why not grab a snack? Maybe a small bowl of chips?
Or instead of chips, how about making yourself a sandwich? I personally like making grilled cheese sandwiches. They don’t take a lot of time and they’re quite filling.
And if that’s still not enough, then…well just prepare whatever. And during all of that, make sure you’re on your phone, scrolling through Instagram.
Panic
Nothing beats learning a semester’s worth of material then studying one night before your final. (Spoken from experience)
Does this mean you’re going to need at least 500 different tabs open, alongside filling out every single review packet like a mad man? Why yes!
Nothing builds character (and regret) more than having several dozen tabs related to math, another dozen to science or history, and the rest whichever subjects have you clenching your teeth. It just really drills into you how much time you had to study.
Note: Always have Redbull or Monster at all times during this period. Drink enough caffeine and you might actually feel time slow down long enough for you to understand something you should’ve figured out weeks ago. Source: Trust me bro.
All-nighters
What matters more? Sleeping so your little brain is nice and refreshed, or your scores? Sure, parents and teachers will say sleep. Your friends might even say sleep too. But this only applies if you’re the kind of student who stays up studying until the sun rises. Seriously, while I applaud the grind, that’s still worrisome. You should go get some sleep.
“Sleep,” Ly said. “Studying is no use if you’re too tired to take the test.”
Well Ly, that’s what an overwhelming amount of caffeine is for. It counters that exhaustion.
Sleep is for the weak, and are you weak? Absolutely not.
Be ready to have caffeine in your bloodstream. Be prepared to giggle at absolutely nothing at 2 a.m, loudly enough to spook the dog (My dog brought out a crucifix when I did this).
Accept Your Fate
I’m sorry but depending on the subject you genuinely might not be making it this time. No amount of listening to Mozart or liking reels talking about your massive academic comeback can save you now. Even the most absurd methods can’t pull you out of the rut you’re stuck in.
Heimler himself, the Patron Saint of AP exams won’t be able to pull you out of this.
Please note that I don’t take responsibility for the state of your scores. You’re cooked. Absolutely fried. Full meal course. Thank you.
