.As AP exams draw closer, some students will start realizing their classes aren’t on track to finish the curriculum in time. It’s actually not uncommon for classes to fall behind schedule—and though students might feel anxious about getting through enough material before test day, there are several steps students can take to ensure they’re well-prepared for AP exams, even if their classes haven’t covered all the content.
Start by identifying the topics your class might not cover before the exams. Refer to the course content on the College Board website, textbooks or other resources your class is using, and any third-party materials you've found helpful. Compare those lists against your class's individual syllabus, and check in with your teacher if you want to confirm how far your class will get.
Then, map out an AP prep timeline. Prioritize topics that are frequently tested on the AP exam, and set realistic goals so that you can maximize your study time and monitor your progress along the way.
Study with classmates.Your classmates are in the same boat when it comes to needing to self-study the same topics you do. On top of that, forming a study group with other students in your class is an excellent way to study more efficiently and effectively. Consider dividing the work, sharing notes and assigning topics to teach each other. Explaining concepts to other people forces you to organize your thoughts more clearly and deepens your understanding of key information. Group discussions also help you gain different perspectives and reinforce your knowledge of the material.
Work with a tutor.
A private tutor can really make a difference, especially in cases where your class won't get through the content in time. Working one-on-one with a tutor can help streamline your AP prep—an AP expert can do the hard work of identifying the high-priority topics you should spend the most time studying, teach you concepts in easily digestible chunks, and help you create a study plan that’s fully customized to your schedule and needs.
With a well thought-out plan, you can approach your AP exams with confidence, even if your class is a little behind.
The recommendations above are general suggestions. If you have specific questions, reach out to our experts here. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
ArborBridge is the global leader in innovative, digital, one-on-one tutoring. With nearly a decade of experience teaching students online, ArborBridge supports students of all kinds: home schoolers, AP students, test preppers, and more. Our tutors specialize in creating personalized plans and in providing compassionate support for students and families.