As a student, I understand the competitiveness to get into a post-secondary school. Students have to push themselves to the limit because the recommended GPA is 3.5+. Many of us are taking at least two Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and the workload per class weighs us down like an anchor. In addition to AP classes, most people participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. It can be arduous to manage the workload for all of your classes while finding time to complete extracurricular activities such as sports. Today, I hope to help my fellow students out there find a balance between school and fun!
Tip #1: Grab a planner!
Planners are an efficient way to keep track of your deadlines as you will know how much allotted time you have to complete an assignment. Not only can using a planner encourage you to become more organized, but it will also keep you on track! Seeing what you have to do and checking off a homework assignment can give you a sense of accomplishment, and in the end, motivate you to work even harder! Using a planner also increases your responsibility, which in turn helps you understand yourself better. You will know how much time you need to study for a test or complete an assignment, so using a planner will help you become more responsible and use your time more effectively.
Tip #2: Study for at least 10 minutes a day!
The AP test is right around the corner, although it appears to be far away. There is an overwhelming amount of information you will need to know, the best way to ace your test is to study a little bit every day. Whether this is through flashcards or an online app, studying every day will reduce your stress as the AP test approaches.
Tip #3: Take a look at an online AP study guide!
The internet provides many resources, so you may as well use them! Many sites such as “Simple Studies” provide free AP study guides for students. By looking at these study guides, you will determine what you should study. For example, if you are taking AP World History,they may test particular periods more than others, which is why looking at a study guide can improve your chances of getting a higher score. These study guides will help you allot time to study for your weaker subjects and allows you to grow and improve.
Tip #4: Keep neat notes!
The information in class may seem like a lot to handle and write down, but it is important information to know. You should keep your notes organized and labeled so you can refer to them when necessary. Highlighting and writing with a blue or red pen is known to increase the retainment of a subject. If needed, keep 2 separate notebooks. One notebook will be for class notes, and the other for home notes. You can create neat and concise notes in your second notebook using the information from class. This gives you study time and allows you to revise questions you may have had regarding the class material.
Tip #5: Create a study group! Socialize and connect with your peers.
Try to exchange contacts with your peers, so everyone can study together once a test rolls around. Studies have shown that teaching someone else also helps you to better understand the subject. In a study group, everyone can exchange knowledge and support each other. Make sure that the people you study with will keep you on track and help you grow. Try and pick someone you know learns at the same pace as you and will keep you productive, rather than a friend who may distract you.
Edited by Ally Chan.
Tia is a sophomore in high school. She enjoys playing badminton and watching Netflix! Tia hopes that this article helps her fellow AP students out there more efficiently handle their classes!
Comments