The study of life is the overarching intent of AP biology.
Testing often creates anxiety for test-takers because of the uncertainty of the content. In general, if proper preparation has taken place months before the actual test, there is generally a good chance of success on the actual test date. The time to do deep and serious study is not the night before the test. This approach almost always creates more confusion in the mind of the student. However, there are some practical steps that should be taken the night before an AP Biology exam.
Instructions
1. Relax and take a deep breath. Prior preparation will provide some confidence of success on the exam.
2. Review the categories that will be assessed on the AP Biology Exam. Determine which areas present challenges and which areas present little or no difficulty. In general the AP Biology exam covers 25 percent molecules and cells, 25 percent heredity and evolution and 50 percent organisms and population.
3. Review the strong areas for 30 to 45 minutes. There is no need to continue to rehash knowledge that is already mastered.
4. List the categories that are known weak areas. In addition, list the subcategory topics that are weak areas, as well.
5. Write down the main vocabulary, principles, theories and people from the categories deemed weak areas. Spend an hour to an hour and a half total on the weak areas.
6. Create an audio recording that will review the vocabulary, people, theories and principles that continue to be weaknesses.
7. Ask a friend to assess your knowledge of the identified weak areas. Based on the outcome of the assessment, spend an additional half hour reviewing those items where weaknesses still exist.
8. Stop studying after four hours. The amount information that can be retained will begin to decrease if there is a constant overload of information.
9. Listen to some soft music and relax. Go to sleep listening to the review recording.
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