A ONE INSTITUTE
Jan 1, 2025
Today, we will discuss how to prepare for AP exams tailored to your specific circumstances.
Preparing for AP Exams Based on Individual Situations
This post will explain how to prepare for AP exams differently depending on each student’s unique circumstances. Before diving into exam preparation, there are essential points you must know.
Types of Schools and AP Exam Considerations
Schools are generally divided into two main categories:
Private (Boarding) Schools
Public Schools
Private (Boarding) Schools can be further categorized as:
Schools offering AP courses
Schools offering IB courses
Schools offering neither AP nor IB courses
The fundamental question many students and parents ask is, “Should we take the AP exam?” My answer depends on the following factors:
Key Criteria for AP Exam Necessity
1. Students Attending Schools Offering AP Courses
Recommendation: 100% take the AP exam for subjects you’re enrolled in.
If you’re attending a school with AP courses and taking AP classes, you should definitely take the corresponding AP exam in May.
2. Students Attending IB Course Schools
For Diploma Students: No need to take additional AP exams.
Holding an IB Diploma already demonstrates academic rigor, so taking AP exams isn’t necessary.
Non-Diploma Students: Consider AP exams if:
You’re not earning the IB Diploma,
Your grades are not at the top level,
You have significantly weaker grades in one or two subjects.
AP exams can supplement and showcase your academic capabilities.
3. Students Attending Schools Offering Neither AP nor IB Courses
Boarding Schools with strong legacies: AP exams are not essential.
Non-boarding or lower-ranked schools: Use AP exams to demonstrate your academic abilities.
Summary Guidelines for AP Exam Decisions
Public High Schools:
Students at schools ranked in the top 700: If you’re in the top 10% of your class, AP exams may not be necessary.
Students at schools ranked below 700: Strongly recommended to take AP exams.
Private High Schools:
Students at schools ranked in the top 130: If you’re in the top 10% of your class, AP exams may not be necessary.
Boarding Schools:
Students with high GPAs: AP exams may not be required.
Students with low GPAs: AP exams can compensate for weaker academic performance.
Once You Decide to Take AP Exams: Preparation Tips
If you’ve decided to take AP exams, the next step is to prepare effectively. There are two main preparation paths:
1. Teachers with AP Grading Experience
These teachers are familiar with AP grading rubrics and descriptions. Trusting their guidance is typically sufficient, as they’re well-equipped to prepare students for the specific AP subjects they teach.
2. Teachers Without AP Grading Experience (or Self-Studying Students)
In this case, you’ll need additional resources:
College Board AP Central
Visit the College Board’s AP Central website by searching for “College Board AP Central” on Google.
Access the AP Courses & Exams section.
AP Course and Exam Description (CED)
Download the PDF for the subject you’re studying (e.g., AP Biology).
Focus on two key sections:
"Courses at a Glance": Check the curriculum to ensure your teacher or self-study plan aligns with it.
By January, you should have covered roughly 50% of the content for the May exam. If not, consider seeking external help or adjusting your study plan.
Exam Weighting: Understand the percentage weight of each unit, as AP exams don’t evenly distribute questions across topics.
FRQ Practice and Scoring Guidelines
Search for past FRQs (Free Response Questions) and their scoring guidelines for your subject.
Practice writing answers and compare them with the scoring criteria to understand how to achieve high scores.
Common Questions About AP Scores
What if I score a 3 on the AP exam?
If you’re in 9th or 10th grade, consider retaking the exam in 10th or 11th grade for a higher score.
Higher scores are always better if you have time to improve.
Final Thoughts
Plan your AP exams carefully according to your circumstances and start preparing today. If you have any questions about AP tests, feel free to contact A-One Institute.
Thank you!