AP testing is here, and with that, the inevitable stress is too. As a former AP tester, I can’t tell you how to pass the test, but I can certainly teach you how to be prepared for test day.

Get Sleep

While I know teachers repeat this every time testing season rolls around, it’s always important. Ensure that you go to bed earlier than usual. Most AP tests can start as early at 7:15 in the morning, the night before your test is not the time to stay up till 3am binge watching television. A good way of ensuring you get a good night’s sleep is by packing your backpack the day before with everything you’ll need for the test. Always charge your laptop the night before and bring your charger with you the next day too.

Prep Your Backpack

Pack everything you need the night before your test! While you might be thinking, “I have a good memory, I’ll just pack it in the morning,” morning brain fog is real. Also, don’t underestimate how early 7:15am feels. If you don’t have bowel issues that might prevent you from consuming caffeine (like me), I recommend packing an energy drink, coffee, or tea of some kind (but don’t drink excessive amounts of coffee for the first time on test day if you normally don’t!). And don’t you dare skip breakfast either. The test feels longer than it actually is, and you don’t want to be hunched over and starving because you didn’t prioritize breakfast.

You want to have a nutritious breakfast. So, unfortunately, that means you should stay away from anything from Dunkin’. The breakfast I had that always managed to keep me full for my AP exams was a cup of yogurt with honey, berries, and granola. I paired that with two pieces of toast as well as a cup of black tea. While you don’t have to follow that to a “T,” make sure to at least get some carbs and protein in with your breakfast.

Prepare for the Actual Exam

Find a study method that works for you! Everybody has a different way of learning, processing, and understanding information. While I like to go on Quizlet and look at flashcards, this might not work for everyone. I would also recommend joining small study groups even if they are last minute. The ideal size of a study group is 3-5 people, any more would just turn into a social gathering where no work gets done (trust me).

Final Piece of Advice

Be sure to give it your best shot! There is no point in listening to any of my advice if you don’t put in the effort. That being said, good luck on exams!