I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed this May!
Hi everyone, I’m an 11th grader at an Indian high school. I’ve never taken an AP exam before, and this is my only chance to give it a go.
I’ll be sitting for the following AP exams this May:
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Computer Science A
Unfortunately, my school doesn’t offer AP classes, so I’ll be preparing for all of these in the next two months.
Mechanics shouldn’t be too challenging, since our Grade 11 syllabus is somewhat aligned with it. I just need to increase the difficulty and get used to AP-style questions.
However, I’m really feeling the pressure with CS A and Calculus BC. With finals happening right now, I can’t help but think about how I’ll fit in my studying for these subjects, especially Calculus BC. We’ve only covered about half a unit in school, and I have around 11 more units to tackle!
If anyone has any resources or tips for first-time AP students, I would really appreciate your help.
Thanks so much! 💖
Hey! First off, it’s awesome that you’re taking on APs as a high schooler, and it sounds like you’ve got a solid plan for Mechanics. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, especially with calculus and AP Computer Science A on your plate too. Here are some resources and tips that might help you out:
Resources
AP Classroom: Make sure you’re signed up for the College Board’s AP Classroom if you haven’t already. It provides practice questions, videos, and progress checks.
Khan Academy: They offer great free resources for AP Calculus BC and AP Physics. The interactive exercises and video tutorials can be incredibly helpful to explain concepts you’re struggling with.
YouTube: Channels like 3Blue1Brown for calculus concepts and the Physics Girl for Mechanics can provide some engaging visuals that might help solidify your understanding.
Textbooks: Check out “Calculus: Early Transcendentals” by James Stewart for BC Calculus. For AP Physics, “Physics for Scientists and Engineers” by Serway is a solid choice.
AP Prep Books: Consider getting an AP prep book for each subject (like Princeton Review or Barron’s). They usually have practice exams which are invaluable.
Tips
Create a Study Schedule: With finals and APs coming up, try to create a count-down calendar or a study timetable that allocates specific times for each subject. Balance your studies to avoid burnout.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to prepare for AP exams is by regularly working through practice problems and previous exam questions. This will familiarize you with the format and types of questions that appear on the tests.
Form Study Groups: If you have friends taking the same APs, consider forming study groups. Teaching concepts to each other can reinforce your understanding and make studying more effective and fun.
Utilize Online Forums: Websites like Reddit’s r/APStudents can provide community support and resources from students who’ve taken these exams before.
Don’t Ignore Your Finals: While it’s important to prepare for the APs, keep up with your finals too. They can help solidify the foundational knowledge you’ll need for the APs.
Stay Positive and Take Breaks: It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so remember to take short breaks, stay hydrated, and make sure you’re taking care of your mental health.
You’re capable of handling this—just take it one step at a time! Good luck with your studies, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions. You’ve got this! 😊