It’s going to be OK with Kyle: AP Exams

by Kyle Nguyen, Staff Writer

When you think of the month of May, what are the first thoughts that come to mind? The flowers that have bloomed? Seasonal allergies? Well, if you’re one of those students, chances are that AP exams must have been on your mind starting around late-March to early-April and you’re also probably very stressed at the moment. Well, don’t fret! Here’s a few helpful tips for those of you who want to ensure that you’ll be getting 5s on your exams.

1. Get a good night’s sleep before each of your exams.
   You’ve heard this time and time again, but people wouldn’t reiterate this if it weren’t true. Studies have shown that at least eight hours of sleep is ideal before a test the next day because your brain is able to respond quicker with adequate rest. If you have teachers assigning lots of homework the day before an exam, don’t be afraid to ask them for an extension. They’re much more forgiving than you think and your health should always come first.
2.  Eat a nutritious breakfast the day of as well as a balanced dinner the night before.
   Nutrition is crucial when it comes to testing. Not only are you getting in a proper diet that readies you for anything that may be thrown at you during an exam, you won’t be distracted by an empty stomach! How do you plan to balance that chemical equation with your stomach growling in the background?
3. Don’t cram and pull all-nighters.
   This goes hand-in-hand with tip #1. Cramming the night before may seem beneficial to you now, but when you’re nodding off during your exam, you’ll see why it’s extremely detrimental to your performance. Have confidence in what you know already and try to study in advance a few days before at the least.
4. Believe in yourself.
   You took these classes for a reason. You had confidence in your abilities to even dare sign up for college course. You should be proud! These exams are just a test of your skills that you DO have. Don’t be intimidated and don’t let that test dictate how well you perform.

Most importantly, at the end of the day, these AP exams are just a formality. Sure, you may get exempted from taking introductory courses or get elective credit in college, but they do not determine how you are academically. At the end of the day, it’s only a temporary number. What matters the most is all the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your time in these classes. Keep this in mind as you go out and ace those tests, Barons!