How to Surive AP Biology

Last year I was in two AP classes, AP biology and AP European history. Many of my classmates say that AP biology is one of the hardest ones to take. Throughout the year I picked up a few tips that will make it a whole lot easier and less stressful.

First, make sure to read your textbook. I know it may not be the most entertaining material to read but it is not as hard as other textbooks. It won’t take nearly as long as you think and it will give you all the information you need to pass the class. But when you do read, it is okay to skim the chapters you already know about. If you are taking this class I am assuming it is not your first ever science class, which means you already know the basics. Trust me, you do not need to waste even more of your time scrutinizing the chapters that you already know. Focus on the new stuff because that is what you will be tested over and is harder to learn.

Next, if your teacher gives them to you, do the guided readings. It will keep you focused while reading and give you an idea of what the important ideas are of the chapter. Plus, usually they are easy bonus points you could add to the grade book. Then right before the test, look them over because if you filled them out correctly, they will give you all of the answers. Try to fill them out as well as you can while you are reading and ask your teacher for help if you don’t understand something. It is way easier to learn the material as you read or listen to lectures in class rather than the night before an important exam.

Make sure to look at the pictures in the textbook. I mean really look at them not just glancing at it and getting the “gist” of it. This means reading every little word or caption that comes along with it. Pictures are a great tool to help you understand important concepts that could otherwise be very confusing.

If you don’t know everything, it’s okay. I noticed on the AP exam that they mostly tested you on critical thinking rather than recalling information. So, basically just know the main ideas because usually they will give you the information that you have to synthesize. Now, this could be either good or bad depending on who you are. So adjust accordingly.

Helpful hint: Trust yourself. Sometimes the answer is so simple that it seems wrong. Don’t let the easy questions trip you up; usually your instincts are correct.

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