Did you know that AP test scores can be the key to unlocking scholarships and college credits, giving students a head start in their higher education journey? In a world where every point counts, mastering the right strategies can make all the difference. For students aiming to graduate high school and attend college, AP test scores offer a number of benefits ranging from earning college credit to preparing you for what college classes are truly like. We’ll be covering 5 powerful strategies that each student should know for success when aiming for good AP test scores. Before we discuss these strategies let’s first talk about what exactly an AP test is:
What is an AP Test?
An advanced placement test, also known as an AP test is a comprehensive final exam for an advanced placement class. These classes are offered in high school and give students the opportunity to earn college credit. The only way to earn college credit for the class is to score a ‘passing’ mark on the AP test.
The Princeton review says:
AP tests are scored on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Get a 4 or higher, and you may be able to earn college credit without paying college tuition!
So the important takeaway here is highlighting the importance of good AP test scores.
1. Master the Fundamentals Early
Prior to even enrolling in the AP class, it’s important to make sure you have a fundamental understanding of what you’re getting into. You don’t need to master the fundamentals before enrolling in the class, but having a solid foundational understanding of the subject matter is important. What I mean by this is to take an AP class for a subject that you’re genuinely interested in.
Once enrolled in the class, it’s important to take reading the textbook seriously. The entire class will be outlined in the textbook so try and understand the assigned readings in their entirety. It’s a good idea to enlist the help of a tutor early on too! A tutor can help you keep up with the workload of the class, as well as identify areas of weakness early on before they can become a problem.
2. Utilize Quality Study Materials
Because advanced placement classes are college-level there’s a lot less hand-holding that happens during class time. It’s important to start utilizing quality study materials early on to secure good AP test scores. We recommend starting a Quizlet or creating physical flashcards throughout the year to help you prepare for the AP test. In addition, it’s important to recover topics that you already study as each week progresses. You want to build a comprehensive understand of the entire course well before the AP test season starts.
I recommend blocking out a dedicated time each week where you can spend time covering the content up to the point you’re at in the class. Doing this early one will ensure that you’re getting a complete and total understanding of the course content as the year progresses.
3. AP Test Prep Classes
Test prep classes are a popular and effective way to ensure good AP test scores. These classes are typically held after school at a different location. While the teacher is different for this class, the content will be the same as it’s based around the curriculum for the year. These classes are also geared for maximizing your efficiency for studying as well. They’ll target key areas that the exam may cover which can give you an edge come exam day.
It’s important to note that AP test prep classes can be expensive too. Many students prefer to wait until spring semester to enroll, but if you can, I recommend enrolling earlier. This ensures that there’s no gaps left behind from your Fall semester.
4. Schedule a Dedicated Tutor
The final powerful strategy I wish to discuss is scheduling a dedicated tutor. We mentioned this briefly in strategy number 1, but I wanted to revisit this and highlight the importance of a tutor. A tutor, when scheduled early on in the school year, can be instrumental for student success when aiming for good AP test scores. While they can identify areas of weakness, they can also work with you on developing a consistent studying routine that benefits you the most in the long run. I highly recommend checking out our online AP tutors which can help you unlock your full potential!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TenneyTutors?
TenneyTutors is an online tutoring service designed for students in grades 5 through 12. Our tutors are professionally trained educators, all of whom are active teachers at our in-person private school, The Tenney School.
What is the Cost of a Tutoring Session?
Each TenneyTutors session is priced at $95 per hour. Once you select a convenient date and time with an available tutor, you will be prompted to complete the payment for the session. After payment is received, your tutor will contact you to provide further details regarding your upcoming appointment.
How Do I Book a Session?
You can book a session with one of our tutors by visiting our scheduling page. Simply choose the subject you need help with, and a list of available tutors, along with the courses they teach, will appear. Select the tutor that best matches your needs, and you'll be shown their available dates and times. After selecting a time, you will be prompted to pre-pay for the session. Each esession is 95$ per hour.
What is the Process For Online Tutoring?
When a session is scheduled, a Microsoft Teams meeting event is automatically created for both the student and tutor. Before the session, the tutor will reach out to gather additional information to ensure the time is used as effectively as possible. At the scheduled time, the tutor will initiate the call with the student to begin the session.