10 Steps to a Five on the Advanced Placement Examination
Over the years, multitudes of students have suggested different methods for success on the AP Biology Examination. Ben and Mary Margaret have listed ten steps that helped them succeed on the exam.
1) While the exam is in May, your study period is the entire year. Learn and understand each topic as you complete it.
2) Purchase both the Cliff's Notes and Princeton Review AP Biology books, and during the year, refer to these for comprehension, and close to the exam, use them as much (if not more) than the textbook.
3) Create succinct chapter outlines that list all major bold point words, biological functions, and other pertinent information.
4) Over spring break, do not extensively travel. This time should be dedicated to independently review for the exam.
5) Do not underestimate topics not stressed in both the textbook and review books. Know main ideas about evolution, biological habitats, and all of the body's functions.
6) Labs are important! One of the four essay questions is a lab question, and usually between 5-7 multiple choice questions concern labs conducted throughout the year. Understand and be able to write about the procedure, objectives, and variables used.
7) Close to exam time, take as many practice tests as possible!
8) Devour multiple choice questions. First, understand the biology behind the question, and then understand what the question is answering. Especially helpful is the mustard-colored book "Multiple Choice Questions in Preparation for the Advanced Placement Biology Examination," to be handed out later in the year.
9) Attend all review sessions by Dr. Glass. Also, take previous AP free response questions available from Dr. Glass and the College Board's website.
10) If you have difficulties on any chapter, learn the answers. If you receive less than a 90% on one of Dr. Glass's tests, retake it. Not only does it improve your grade, but more importantly, it forces you to learn the material.
The last piece of advice is to Relax and Enjoy Advanced Placement Biology. The class is difficult, no doubt, but DOABLE.
Course Calendar (Recommended):
First Semester: Review and Understand all Material. Everything you learned will be built upon in the second semester.
January and February: Continue reviewing, but dedicate first semester work to memory, so in the coming months, more time may be spent on newer subjects.
March: Sign up for the May 6 SAT Subject Test. If you have not purchased review books, do it now. Begin taking a few practice tests, and familiarize yourself with the examination format.
April: Take any and every practice test available! Time yourself to make sure you are within time limits. Review all Tests and be prepared to write essays on major topics.
May: May 14, 2007 8AM AP EXAMINATION. A make-up exam is available later in the month, but you must notify Canterbury if you don't intend to take the May 14 exam.
1) While the exam is in May, your study period is the entire year. Learn and understand each topic as you complete it.
2) Purchase both the Cliff's Notes and Princeton Review AP Biology books, and during the year, refer to these for comprehension, and close to the exam, use them as much (if not more) than the textbook.
3) Create succinct chapter outlines that list all major bold point words, biological functions, and other pertinent information.
4) Over spring break, do not extensively travel. This time should be dedicated to independently review for the exam.
5) Do not underestimate topics not stressed in both the textbook and review books. Know main ideas about evolution, biological habitats, and all of the body's functions.
6) Labs are important! One of the four essay questions is a lab question, and usually between 5-7 multiple choice questions concern labs conducted throughout the year. Understand and be able to write about the procedure, objectives, and variables used.
7) Close to exam time, take as many practice tests as possible!
8) Devour multiple choice questions. First, understand the biology behind the question, and then understand what the question is answering. Especially helpful is the mustard-colored book "Multiple Choice Questions in Preparation for the Advanced Placement Biology Examination," to be handed out later in the year.
9) Attend all review sessions by Dr. Glass. Also, take previous AP free response questions available from Dr. Glass and the College Board's website.
10) If you have difficulties on any chapter, learn the answers. If you receive less than a 90% on one of Dr. Glass's tests, retake it. Not only does it improve your grade, but more importantly, it forces you to learn the material.
The last piece of advice is to Relax and Enjoy Advanced Placement Biology. The class is difficult, no doubt, but DOABLE.
Course Calendar (Recommended):
First Semester: Review and Understand all Material. Everything you learned will be built upon in the second semester.
January and February: Continue reviewing, but dedicate first semester work to memory, so in the coming months, more time may be spent on newer subjects.
March: Sign up for the May 6 SAT Subject Test. If you have not purchased review books, do it now. Begin taking a few practice tests, and familiarize yourself with the examination format.
April: Take any and every practice test available! Time yourself to make sure you are within time limits. Review all Tests and be prepared to write essays on major topics.
May: May 14, 2007 8AM AP EXAMINATION. A make-up exam is available later in the month, but you must notify Canterbury if you don't intend to take the May 14 exam.
posted by Dr. Betsy Glass, PhD at 1:17 PM
0 comments
