Several students have a hard time balancing school and their personal lives as they approach the end of the year exams. A skill that is crucial among students is time management. Students must put away distractions from studying while balancing responsibilities and having fun, especially during their senior year.
Every student has a method for studying that can help them promote their productivity differently. With multiple AP classes, students need to ensure that they are studying every subject and giving each one their time.
“I think everyone should be studying around 30 minutes for each class and every AP exam to take. So, as you’re leading up to your exam, you should be using your weekends wisely. If you have free time during the weekdays, I’d also say to get some studying in, especially for AP prep.” Gavyn Jones (25), said.
It is normal for people to lose motivation as they get to the end of the year. As students become less interested in school, they tend to get distracted by getting on their phones more often.
“You should probably stay away from social media apps so that you can spend more time studying and getting ready,” Jack Tetreault (25), said.
Issues that some students may come across is balancing a job while being in AP level classes. Students not only need to plan ahead to study for their exams with their course’s work but, manage a job outside of school.
“When I have work, what I usually do is I have to double up on the day before. So, with any class work I need to get it done the day before, any studying that needs to get done the day before, which becomes pretty stressful. I work twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. So on Sunday, is when I do the most and do all of my homework, all of my studying, which can be hours. And then on Wednesday, because it’s in the middle of the week, it’s even worse. So I have to get more studying in and more time spent.” Gavyn, said.
As some seniors wrap up their four years and have been taking AP classes each year, they have significant experience of how they should get prepared for the end of the year tests.
“I would say to plan yourself, set yourself accordingly. Don’t rush it. Don’t spend too much time on it, because you’re going to get burned out if you spend too much time. I don’t want to say leisurely to take it leisurely, since it is an exam, but that’s what you have to do. You have to set yourself up for success without doing too much or doing too little, and what I recommend is planning and getting your studying in before the exam, like maybe a month before, so you don’t have to do everything at one time, especially towards the end of the year. There’s a lot of events coming up if you’re a senior, especially so just take your time, use like a month in advance, and don’t rush yourself.” Gavyn, said.
One of the most important things to consider when going through the exam process is mental health. It is important to note that failing an exam is not the end of the world and does not define a person. Passing the exam does help students when they get into college because it sets them up for success.
“ I would remember that if I were to do good on this exam, you could count for something in college and it would be easier now to do well than it is in the future.” Jack, said.
