2023 AP® Test Dates Compilation

How to Remain Focused Throughout the AP® Exam Period

Whether you are taking two AP® exams or five, it can be challenging to organize your time in May and feel prepared for each one.

We know that maintaining your motivation and energy during the exam season can be difficult. So, in order to start studying for May, our key piece of advice is to memorize your AP® exam schedule as soon as you can.

For instance, you should finish all of your studying before the AP® exams begin if you know you will have three examinations in three days. You can therefore concentrate on keeping rested during the exam period and spare yourself the stress of last-minute cramming.

However, you should prepare for your final two exams by doing some studying in May if you have exams on the first, second, and last Mondays of the exam period. In light of this, give the test you have coming up top priority and make sure you are ready for it by the end of May.

Determine your AP® exam schedule for 2023 by using the charts above. Next, adhere to our guidance for maintaining motivation and attention throughout May.

        #1: Avoid Cramming!

You should have studied all key ideas by the end of May and completed at least one practice test for each AP® exam you plan to take. You will only become more stressed if you attempt to squeeze in last-minute studying during the exam period, for example by cramming a prep book or taking numerous practice exams. If you give yourself enough time to study, you’ll learn more.

If you complete the bulk of your coursework before May, you may use the extra time to review challenging material and make sure you’re getting enough rest.

        #2: Focus on your areas of weakness.

Prioritize any additional time you have in May toward the exam you know will be the hardest for you if you have any.

You can use any additional time in May to continue working on AP® US History, for instance, if you’re taking both AP® Calculus AB and AP® US History and you’re fairly competent in Calculus. Recall dates, test your essay writing skills, or go over your notes.

You run the danger of overstretching yourself if you attempt to devote the same amount of time to each impending exam in May. Again, this is why starting your studies early will ensure that you have enough time to grasp all the key ideas for your tests before May.

        #3: Timing is crucial.

Be sure to rigorously adhere to the time limit when completing multiple-choice or free-answer practice sections in April or May so you’ll be ready for the scheduling of the actual AP® test.

It is fine to take a few untimed multiple-choice or free-response portions earlier in the year. However, you must make sure that you are ready for the timing of the actual exams before taking your AP® exams. By doing this, you’ll become used to the time limits and find taking the AP® exams much less stressful.

        #4: Take care of yourself

If you have numerous examinations in a week, two days in a row, or even two exams in one day, try to avoid doing a lot of studying then and instead focus on making sure you’re getting enough rest. Getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious, balanced breakfast or lunch the night before an AP® test will do much more to raise your score than learning a few more facts or doing one more practice exam.

Try to intentionally schedule a time to have fun or exercise during the AP® exam period if you tend to stress over studying and have extreme test anxiety. Taking the time to unwind is essential because anxiety may (and will!) impair your performance on test day. Some ways to do this include practicing yoga, going for a run, or reading your favorite book.

Take advantage of the time you have left in May to complete some practice sections or review important terminology, though, if you’re finding it difficult to stay motivated late in the year and have been neglecting your studies. To get the most out of your AP® coursework, keep in mind that finishing strong and performing well on your AP® exams are crucial!

        #5: Be sure to attend your other classes.

While the majority of teachers should be understanding regarding homework and assignments during the AP® exam time, you should still make sure that your schedule is free of cramming in case you also have non-AP® class assignments to do.

Don’t let the AP® tests fully take your attention away from your other classes because your high school GPA is crucial for college admissions!

        #6: Keep your goals in mind

Don’t lose sight of your objectives throughout May, whether you’re trying to ace AP® Spanish so you won’t have to take a language in college or you’re striving for excellent scores across the board to make you competitive for top institutions.

Keep in mind your motivations for taking the examinations, even though it can be demanding and frustrating to have a number of AP® exams. You’ll have the inspiration you need from this to finish strong and ace your tests!