AP Exams: What to Look Out For

AP exams are coming up in May, so let’s take a look at what information students need to know.

What to Bring

Key essentials to bring are your school-issued ID, a fully charged laptop with lockdown browser, laptop charger, AP approved calculator, a black or blue pen, a wooden pencil. Optional items to bring are one clear water bottle without the label and 1-2 small snacks to eat during the exam break. If a portion of your exam is on paper also remember to bring your AP Labels. 

What Not to Bring

There are several things that you can’t bring into the testing area. Don’t bring your backpack or phone. You can leave these things in your AP teacher’s classroom before entering the testing area. A metal water bottle, a mechanical pencil, a colored pen other than black or blue ink, a smartwatch (ex. Apple watch), or an unapproved calculator can’t be brought into the testing site as well.

Before the Exam

It’s important to check when your exam will be. When you go to “My AP Classroom” on College Board you will be able to see what day and what time your exam will take place. Make sure you know!

Check if Bluebook is working on the laptop that you will be using for the exam. This allows any complications to be caught before the day of the exam. For Bluebook you should also memorize your email and password, which is the same one used for College Board.

Don’t do a cram study session last minute! Your brain won’t be able to retain a year’s worth of information overnight. Instead, get a good night’s sleep, at the latest time 10pm so that you will have enough energy to complete the 2-3 hour exam. You may be tempted to cram the day before, but it is really not the best method in passing the exam. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep will surely improve your performance for the exam. 

Day of the Exam

For the exam you should wear comfortable clothing that lets you move freely due to being seated for a few hours. You should also wear light layers in case of unpredictable temperature inside your testing area. With layers you will be able to take off or put on when needed.

Whether your exam is at 8am or 12pm, you should be showing up at least 30-35 minutes before in order to make it to check-in and get seated. Make sure Bluebook is accessed and log into your account. Input the exam code that your proctor displays and start the exam. Be aware of the amount of time you have left and carefully read each question thoroughly.

Good luck and don’t stress!