By: Jordan Frantz

During the month of May, many students at Bellbrook High School will take one or many AP tests.  The AP tests start May 6 and end May 17 with make-up dates to follow. Though this time may be very stressful for students, the staff and students of Bellbrook High School have many tips and advice for success on these tests. 

“Don’t wait until the last minute! Spread out your studying over multiple weeks,” AP Biology teacher Mr. Reinhart said. “I usually recommend starting two to three weeks in advance, depending on how busy you are and what your teacher recommends.” 

The difficulty of your test may play a crucial role in how far in advance you study for your AP tests. AP tests vary in skill and knowledge requirements. 

“This year I began studying for my more difficult exams in early April,” junior Oliver Alban said. “The easier ones I begin reviewing about two to three weeks in advance just to jog my memory.”

When planning your AP studying, it is important to make sure you know your strengths and weaknesses. A variety of teachers at BHS told EagleView News that practice tests are a key to success. 

“Practice tests are essential,” AP US History teacher Bob Parks said. “You need to know how your test is set up: the parts, how to complete those parts, and how much time you have. Knowing how to take the test is the most important part which is why practice tests are essential.” 

Every test is set up differently and requires different things from its students. AP Classroom is a great resource for information and free study tools. It provides videos and practice exams. 

“My go-to for studying would be the AP Daily Videos available for each unit of each course on AP Classroom,” senior Justin Paul said. “I feel like these do a good job at covering what information is needed for the AP Exam and they often include practice questions taken from previous AP tests.” 

AP tests can seem daunting but every student has been preparing for these tests since August. For every important test, rest and nutrition are vital. 

“The morning of the exam, get up a little earlier than usual to give yourself time to fully wake up,” AP English Literature teacher Mrs.Klepacz said. “Then eat a healthy breakfast (a lot of teachers have a class breakfast on exam day), hydrate (but not too much!), and then jump around a little to get your blood flowing and your brain ready. Finally, take a deep breath and let it out slowly right before you begin the exam, and then smile, knowing that you are ready to do your best!”