This is the process of carefully reading and analyzing the material while you read versus casually skimming with little to no comprehension. I call this “sleep reading. Anything you can do to increase your comprehension will be beneficial. Highlighting text, reading out loud, annotating or taking notes are all good techniques to avoid passive/sleep reading. This is a skill which takes time to develop so be patient, don’t expect dramatic results overnight. Here is a link if you want to learn more. Click here!

Note taking is going to be a critical skill for taking AP classes. In previous classes, you might be used to simply copying what’s written on the board or overhead screen, and let the teacher decide what he or she wants you to write. More of that responsibility is now on YOU! The teacher might write only bullet points or nothing at all but will verbally expand on key ideas during the class. DON’T MISS THOSE! Those are gems! Be sure you develop a system of note taking that efficient, organized, and comprehensive. Like Active reading, this is a skill that takes time to master and become proficient in. (Be patient) Also, there have been studies that say note taking with pen and paper might be significantly better than taking notes on keyboard. I leave that up to you to decide. For more info click here!

A major hurdle that students have when preparing for tests is that their usual methods of studying don’t really work as well, or worse, not at all. Simply memorizing vocabulary words or quick facts about key figures is NOT going to be enough anymore. I call this the “Hunt and Peck” method of studying: looking for bold words in the textbook and memorizing them.

While being able to identify key facts and figures is still necessary, you MUST dig deeper! You will need to be able to make solid connections between the “vocabulary terms” with the wider narrative (storyline) of the topic. This involves a much more in depth method of studying. For more info, click here.

Managing your time well is CRUCIAL for doing well in higher level classes. By planning your study time, and spreading it out over longer periods, allows for more comprehension, less anxiety, more focused study sessions. AP classes are demanding and may require a multitude of changes in your study techniques to be effective. Setting a timers to study, allocating 1-2 weeks vs 2-3 days for exam preparation might be some areas you want to start with. Good time management helps you keep up with your work and feel more relaxed, making it easier to succeed in challenging subjects.

_{Self Motivation}

Taking an AP class can be an arduous process. Staying motivated wis crucial because it directly influences your ability to grasp complex material and perform well on exams. AP courses are designed to be rigorous and demanding, often pushing students to explore subjects at a college-level depth. Motivation acts as a driving force, helping you manage the substantial workload, maintain a consistent study routine, and overcome challenges. It fuels your perseverance through difficult topics and helps you stay focused on long-term goals, such as earning college credit or enhancing your academic record. By cultivating a strong sense of motivation, you can approach each study session with enthusiasm and resilience, ultimately setting yourself up for success both in the course and beyond.