With AP Exams taking place this month, there is a lot of stress among students. To help ease the stress, it is important to pace yourself and be well prepared. To achieve this, there are certain things students should do when preparing to take an AP exam.

First, students should make sure that all their testing materials are organized, downloaded, or set up prior to the exam day. For example, the AP Digital Testing App should be downloaded for those who were informed to download it. Getting organized beforehand will be helpful and help ease the stress of the exam day.

Next, students should make sure they study the material that will be on the exam and make sure they know it well. There are different study methods that work for each person, so trying new ways to teach yourself and review is a good method.

While studying is important to getting a good score, so is pacing yourself. If you attempt to study nonstop, you will overwhelm yourself and become tired. To avoid this, try scheduling what times you want to study and take frequent breaks for snacks, water, or even just going on your phone.

After studying, students should be ready to take the exam, so the last thing to do is get a good night’s sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep early, maybe try exercising during the day so that you’re more tired later on. You can even try listening to music. However, if you do not end up sleeping enough, this does not mean you will do poorly on the exam.

“My tip is to focus more on the areas you know that you are less knowledgeable on rather than studying the whole curriculum,” said Katrina Diaz- Balart, an ILS junior who is taking AP Exams this week.

“My tip is to be kind to yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard studying for something that like 10% of people get a 5 on,” said Gabriela Danger, an AP Student. “Just do what you personally can do to meet your own plan.”

Once you finish your AP Exam, make sure to do something fun and enjoyable for yourself. Maybe make plans with your best friends or take a long nap. You’ve earned it.