How to Plan Ahead for Your Child's AP Exams

A few months before the exam is a great time to update your calendar.  You can look up the dates for this year's exams here.  Adding them to the calendar now will help you keep them in mind as you move forward.

Adding the test dates to the calendar can also help you identify any existing conflicts.  The College Board does allow exams to be rescheduled under limited circumstances.  The earlier you start this process, the less stressful it will be.

This is also a good time to consider the implications of these dates.  Many students want extra time for studying and stress relief in the weeks leading up to the exam.  Prioritizing events and and commitments can help students reach their full potential.

Obviously, there are limits.  If your child loves soccer, they can't just abandon their teammates.  Similarly, things have a way of coming up last-minute in May.  Many things can't be rescheduled or postponed.  I'm not suggesting that everything should be cleared off the calendar.  Only that if doing well on the exam is a priority, there should be time set aside to prepare.  It is very difficult to retake an AP exam.

Similarly, some students may need help managing their schedules and other's expectations.  It can be difficult for students to say no to authority figures like bosses, coaches, and teachers.  You can reassure your child that boundaries are okay and that others want to support them.  You can help with identifying priorities and problem-solving.​

There are dozens of excellent resources available for AP students.  Now is a great time to put together a plan and get anything you need.  It's best to get these things early so that you aren't scrambling when time is limited.  In general, it's less stressful to have things ready to go.  Here are some options to consider.​

You should also consider purchasing a review book for the exam.  Review books are packed with helpful resources and tips.  Look for a book that has reviews of major topics, practice exams, and answer keys.  You will want to get the book that matches your child's exam title exactly.  For example, a review book for AP World History is not designed to help a student pass the AP US History exam.

You do NOT need to get this year's book for AP US History or AP World History.  Those exams have not changed significantly in the last five years.  For AP Psychology, it is critical that you get a book that is aligned with the 2024-2025 revisions.  The content covered on the exam is different than previous years.  The question types are also different.  Older test prep books won't match the exam expectations this year.

In the past, my students have gotten great results with the following books:

• AMSCO
• The Princeton Review
• Barron's​

There are a number of websites that also offer AP review materials.  All of the following websites have quality materials.

• My resources for AP students
• Khan Academy
• Albert.io
• The College Board's Past Exams page  ​
  

Many students report that their parents, teachers, and mentors have shared their own experiences.

One powerful thing you can do to support your child is discuss your own experiences with high-stakes exams or events.  You can share what you did, the outcome, and any lessons you took from the experience.  Many parents share things they would have done differently.

I know that it often feels like teens are only half-listening to us.  But they are paying more attention than you might think.  Countless studies show that conversations with parents can influence how teens think and behave.  Plus, they tell me they are grateful for encouragement and support.  Many teens feel isolated during stressful events.  Sharing your own experiences can help students feel connected and supported.  It does matter, even when it seems like it doesn't.

I help ambitious students improve their skills and master the AP exams.  Learn more here! 

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This material is based on my interpretation of the AP World History Course and Exam Description and my experience working in education for the past decade.  The views expressed on this page are my own.  AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks registered and owned by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site.