Post By: COYD Staff
PREPARATION
1. Do a lot of practice questions
– Since most of the test is problem-solving questions and not straight memorization, you should spend the majority of preparation doing practice questions.
2. Understand the scoring guidelines
– If you know how the free response section is graded that you know how to maximize the points you will get for each “right” answer and for each “wrong” answer. Just because you don’t know every step to get to the answer doesn’t mean you won’t get some credit for each question. Below are the scoring guidelines for each science and math AP exam.
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Science A
Calculus AB, BC
Physics B, C ElectrIcity/Magnetism, C Mechanics
Statistics
3. Get a good night’s rest
– Do not cram the night before for these tests. Unlike some of the other AP exams, math and science exams require problem-solving. So that part of your brain needs to be wide awake. Cramming or pulling an all-nighter might help for a purely memorization test but it won’t for a problem-solving test.
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TAKING THE TEST MC – Multiple Choice, FR – Free Response
1. MC: Attempt questions that you know you can do quickly. If you need more time, put a checkmark and move on to the next question. If you run a blank, put a X and move on to the next question.
2. MC: Don’t guess unless you can eliminate at least 2 choices.
– Points are deducted for wrong answers.
3. FR: Your answers need to be reached in a way where someone can easily follow. If you show your step by step process, even if you get the wrong final answer because of a calculation mistake on one of the steps, you might still be able to get partial credit.
4. FR: Make sure to put units for quantities that have them. You might lose points if the units are wrong or missing.
