If your teen is taking AP classes, you already know they’re working hard learning college-level content. But what you may not realize is just how much their scores on AP exams this May can impact college admissions success, even at test-optional schools. From strengthening applications to earning college credit and saving thousands in tuition, these exams are more than just a final test—they’re a real opportunity.
While many colleges are still “test-optional,” the reality is that many highly selective schools use test scores to measure academic readiness, and that can include SAT/ACT scores and AP exam scores. More schools are now using Advanced Placement testing as part of their holistic application review and are asking students to self-report their AP scores, including Caltech, MIT, and Georgetown.
The tests are tough, and preparing for AP exams takes time, planning, and a solid strategy, especially when students are balancing multiple classes and extracurriculars. AP courses move fast, and with so much material to cover, teachers don’t always have time to revisit earlier units. While some teachers stop teaching new material in early April and switch to review mode, others teach new AP content right up until the exam, leaving students with little time to study earlier units.
So, with AP exams fast approaching next month, we turned to our AP Tutor and Executive Function Coach, Angela Farley, M.Ed., a former AP high school teacher, for her expert advice on how students can tackle these tests with confidence.
Angela explains how AP exams aren’t just another end-of-the-year final and how she helps students maximize their studying in the month leading up to the test.
Finals vs. AP Exams: Why Do Teens Need a Different Strategy?
ANGELA: Most of the time, traditional finals only include content from that semester, or it’s a test on the last unit. AP exams cover content from the entire school year.
Regular finals are usually multiple-choice questions, while the AP exams have multiple-choice questions and two writing sections where students must follow a scoring rubric. While most traditional finals test for content memorization, AP exams require a deeper understanding of the content and test students on subject-specific thinking skills that they learned throughout the year.
Where Should Students Start When Studying for AP Exams?
ANGELA: There is a plethora of resources available to fit different learning preferences. The College Board’s AP Central, which enrolled AP students should have an account for, includes expert-reviewed videos covering key material and writing requirements. By reviewing the official AP scoring rubrics on AP Central, students can understand what top-scoring writing looks like.
AP exam practice books are also widely available wherever books are sold, and students should receive review materials directly from their AP teachers.
Is there still time to get help from a tutor or coach in the month leading up to the tests?
ANGELA: Yes, absolutely! Working with students during the last month leading up to the AP exams to provide one-on-one intense review sessions will be incredibly helpful for students.
These sessions not only equip students with essential content, skills, and knowledge but also boost their confidence heading into what can be an intimidating exam.
Each session is customized to the student’s specific needs, whether it’s mastering tough concepts, improving essay writing, or tackling tricky multiple-choice questions. Coaches also help students map out a manageable study schedule, prioritize tasks, and stay on track during a time that can feel overwhelming.
Get Your Student the AP Exam Prep Support They Need
There’s still time to help your teen feel prepared, confident, and in control for their AP exams this May. Our expert AP tutors provide targeted, one-on-one support to help students review key content, improve writing skills, and build a strategic study plan without the stress or last-minute cramming. We prep with official College Board AP materials and teach your teen how to effectively study and practice writing in the format of the test so they can maximize their scores.
Schedule a free call today, and let’s set your student up for AP exam success.