For anyone taking an AP® Exam in 2016, it’s important to know the dates of your exams right from the get go. Even if you haven’t started the class or looked at the course material yet, knowing your test date will help you stay on track with your studying, keep you planning ahead, and give you a specific goal to work towards.

The 2016 AP® Exams will be administered over a two-week period in the month of May: May 2 through May 6 and May 9 through May 13. The table below outlines the specific AP® Exams and their test dates.

In order to successfully prepare for your AP® Exam, it’s important to form good study habits and plan ahead. Of course every exam covers a different subject matter, but the following tips will be useful for any AP® Exam you’re taking.

1. Be aware of your AP® test dates

Make use of the above tables! Before you even start your class, make note of the test dates for each of your AP® Exams. Put a memo on your fridge, locker, or mirror if you have to. Just make sure you know exactly when your test date is so that there are no surprises when May comes. You don’t want to put yourself into a state of panic when you realize that your exam date is only a week away! Also, make sure you know if you’ll have to take two exams in one day. By being aware of your exam dates, you are setting yourself up for success.

2. Plan ahead, prioritize, and don’t procrastinate!

Knowing your exam dates gives you the power to plan ahead! Planning ahead is very important when it comes to AP® Exams because there is so much material to cover in a relatively short period of time. Look through the syllabi of your AP® classes, speak with your teachers, and browse through the AP® College Board website. Get a good idea of the workload and amount of material you’ll have to go through for each class. This is especially important if you’re taking more than one AP® Exam.

Once you’ve figured out which classes might be harder and which might be easier, you’ll be able to prioritize your study time. This is especially helpful when May rolls around and you’re trying to study for several different exams all at once.

Finally, do not procrastinate! I know May seems like a lifetime away, but it will arrive sooner than you think. Start studying, actively reading, and completing your assignments from the very beginning of your course. Don’t find yourself cramming the week before your exam! It’s better to build up knowledge over time than try to learn everything in a couple of days.

3. Form a study group

A good study technique that might help you absorb the information better is to grab a group of friends or classmates and set up regular times to meet. Being able to bounce ideas off of each other, ask questions, and just discuss the subject matter not only helps you learn the material, but can actually be quite fun! You may think that you prefer to study alone, but give group studying a try. Study groups can help you identify your weaknesses with a certain subject, help prevent procrastination, and keep you motivated. After all, AP® students have to stick together and more brains are better than one!

4. Make flashcards and use them regularly

No matter what AP® Exams you are taking, flashcards can be a lifesaver. The simple act of writing flashcards out can help cement the material in your brain. Looking through them for short periods of time per day over the course of a year can greatly enhance your memory and knowledge. For AP® English Literature, make flashcards on specific novels and plays, complete with short plot outlines, quotes, and the significance of each work. For AP® Psychology, Biology, and Environmental Science, create flashcards on key terms, people, and ideas. You can make flashcards for absolutely any subject, just tailor them for your specific needs.

5. Find a study space that works for you

Do you get bored studying in once place for hours? Do you prefer complete silence or background noise? Do you need to be around other people or alone? Ask yourself these types of questions when selecting a study space. Some people prefer to study in the silence of a public library, while others can study more effectively in a busy coffee shop. Others still prefer to study at home, outside, at a desk, on a bed, etc. Find out what works for you. Choosing a good study space can mean the difference between actually absorbing the material, and staying motivated, or being completely distracted and bored.

Create a study atmosphere that works for you, too. Light some candles, brighten or dim the lights, make a healthy snack, or turn on some classical music in the background. Again, find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to change it up once and a while, either. This prevents boredom and can actually make you excited to study.

6. Don’t stress when May comes around

Don’t disregard this tip! It’s all too easy to start panicking a week or two before your exam. Because you’ve spent so much time and effort studying for so long, you’ll probably feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed when May comes. But don’t let those feelings consume you. Remind yourself that you’ve given it your all the past few months and whatever happens on the exam, happens. Don’t stress too much and remember to relax. Also, it may be tempting to study, study, study the week before your exam. While this can be helpful, don’t study so much to where you’re cramming. You probably won’t remember most of what you’re studying if you don’t allow yourself to relax anyway.

Studying for your AP® Exams doesn’t have to be hard

Knowing your AP® test dates is the first step in nabbing that score of 5. Armed with these study tips, a little bit of motivation, and the ability to plan ahead, you will be ready to conquer any AP® Exam!

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