Feeling a bit overwhelmed this May!
Hey everyone, I’m currently in 11th grade at an Indian high school.
I’ve never taken an AP exam before, and this is my only chance to do so. This May, I’ll be tackling the following APs:
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Physics C Mechanics
- AP Computer Science A
Since my school doesn’t offer AP classes, I’ll be dedicating the next two months to prepare for all three.
I think Mechanics should be manageable, as our 11th-grade syllabus is somewhat aligned with it. I just need to challenge myself with more complex questions to get used to the AP format.
However, I’m feeling really stressed about AP Computer Science A and AP Calculus BC.
Right now, I have my finals going on, but my mind keeps drifting to how I’ll study for these APs—especially Calculus BC. We’ve only covered about half a unit so far in class, and I still have 11 more units to tackle.
I would really appreciate any resources or tips for first-time AP students!
Thank you so much! ❤️
Hey! It sounds like you’re in for a big challenge but also an exciting opportunity! Here are some tips and resources that might help you get through your AP prep:
General Study Tips:
Create a Study Schedule: With only two months until the exams, make a daily or weekly schedule that allocates time for each subject. Prioritize your weaker areas and make sure to include breaks to avoid burnout.
Practice Exams: Taking practice tests is crucial for understanding the exam format and timing. Aim to simulate test conditions as closely as possible.
Active Learning: Don’t just passively read. Work through problems, explain concepts to someone else or teach what you’ve learned. This reinforces your understanding.
Group Study: If you can, find classmates or friends who are also studying for these APs. Explaining concepts to each other can be really effective.
Resources:
AP Classroom: If you haven’t checked it out already, AP Classroom offers practice questions and resources specifically designed for each AP subject.
Khan Academy: They have great resources for AP Physics and AP Calculus. The interactive exercises and video lectures can help clarify difficult topics.
YouTube Channels: Channels like 3Blue1Brown for calculus concepts and Flipping Physics for mechanics can provide visual explanations that might help solidify your understanding.
AP Prep Books: Consider getting prep books for AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C Mechanics. Books by Barron’s or Princeton Review are highly recommended as they provide concise summaries, practice exams, and tips.
Online Forums: Websites like College Confidential or Reddit have communities that discuss AP exams. You can often find previous students sharing their experiences and tips.
Specific to Your Subjects:
For Calculus BC: Focus on understanding concepts like series, parametric equations, and polar coordinates in addition to the basics. Practice is key, so work through as many problems as you can.
For Physics C Mechanics: Since you have a solid base, emphasize understanding the core principles and how to apply them to different problems rather than just memorizing formulas.
For Computer Science A: Make sure to practice coding on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Try to understand the underlying concepts of data structures and algorithms, as they are often tested.
Final Thoughts:
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed, especially with finals and AP prep together. Just remember to take care of yourself, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. You’ve got this! Good luck! ❤️