As May rolls around, many AP students worry about passing their exams or getting the grades they aim for, and the stress can become overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you reach your goals.

One of the best ways to prepare for AP exams is to study the material. Plan study groups with friends and practice together. It is also very helpful to purchase an exam review book for the course you will be tested on.

“Review, review, review, as much as [you] can,” said AP Human Geography teacher Ms. Nicole Poorbaugh, describing how to prepare for the exams. “Practice, especially with previous tests or practice exams and review books.”

It is important for students to aim to do as well as possible on their exams because they can earn the college credit.

“[In] most colleges you’re going to get credit for it and that’s money in your pocket,” said AP Psychology teacher Ms. Andrea Zara. “I’ve had students that have taken lots of AP courses and [for] second semester sophomores, that’s a graduate school right there. They don’t have to pay for those classes.”

The studying techniques that students develop while preparing for the AP exams also go on to help with harder classes that they take in the future.

“I think it’s important to be self-motivated, stick with it and try your best.” said Ms. Poorbaugh. “For the AP exam you’ve been putting in so much work, keep it going so that you can do as well as possible on the actual AP exam.”

Also, don’t stay up all night studying the day before the exams! Students should get a good rest and have a healthy breakfast so that they can perform to the best of their ability. Make sure to bring a photo identification (student IDs work) and follow all of the rules for what is allowed and not allowed inside the testing location.