Debbie If you’re looking for an AP course that is both challenging and rewarding, then AP Psychology may be the right choice. It has a higher-than-average passing rate and can earn you college credits.
Two hours are allotted for the two portions of the AP Psychology exam. The multiple-choice portion accounts for 67% of your score, while the free-response amount accounts for 33%.
Understand the Format of the Test
Two hours are allotted for the two portions of the AP Psychology exam. Two-thirds of your score comes from the first section, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The second section consists of two free-response questions. You’ll have 50 minutes to write an essay-style answer for each. One of the best ways to prepare for the AP Psychology exam is to familiarize yourself with the different “perspectives” psychologists use when studying behavior. For example, a psychologist studying antisocial personality disorder would look for other traits in the person than a psychiatrist studying learning. Knowing this vocabulary can help you quickly narrow down the possible answers to exam questions and better understand the material. You can also find several AP psychology review books and practice exams that can provide you with plenty of sample test questions. Try to take a few of these quizzes over the school year to help you learn the material so that the final exam feels manageable at the end of the class.
Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for the AP Psychology exam. Practice tests give you a good sense of your knowledge level and how well you can answer questions on the exam. You can find out what needs extra review by taking practice exams. For example, most mistakes you make on the test are due to content misunderstandings or time issues. In that case, you likely need to review your study materials more thoroughly and change the way you approach the material.
Many other prep books and online resources also have practice tests available as an AP psychology exam review. If you can find official practice tests, they are the best because they will be faithful representations of the questions you encounter on test day. However, even unofficial practice tests can be useful for reviewing specific concepts. Just be sure to take a few practice tests geared specifically to AP Psychology to ensure that you are preparing for the right questions on the exam.
Prepare for the Multiple-Choice Section
A major challenge for students preparing for the AP Psychology exam is ensuring they have adequately mastered all the concepts and theories taught in class and their textbook. To do this, they should take several practice tests and have them scored to see which areas of the course they need to spend more time studying. Another useful strategy is to review AP Psychology multiple-choice questions from past exams. It will give you an idea of the most difficult topics and help you focus your study efforts. Additionally, it is helpful to read the AP Psychology Chief Reader Report, which provides feedback on the types of responses that have historically received low scores. One last tip is to be careful when bubbling in answers on the multiple-choice section of the exam. It is simple to make casual errors that greatly impact your grade. To avoid this, ensure you number each question as you answer it, and always check that your bubbles match up with the corresponding questions in your test booklet.
Prepare for the Free-Response Section
On the AP Psychology exam, the free-response part counts for 33% of your overall grade. It consists of two questions that ask you to explain, apply, or analyze course concepts and research studies. The best way to prepare for this section is by working through lots of practice questions. These practice tests should have authentic student responses with scoring explanations, so you can understand how these essays are scored and identify areas where you may need to improve your skills. Unlike multiple-choice questions, free-response questions have no right or wrong answers. The best thing you can do is ensure that your essay covers all the relevant information and addresses all parts of the question. If you need clarification on what a specific term means, explain how that concept applies to real-world scenarios. Also, remember to use your time wisely. For example, you should answer the questions you know the most about before moving on to the harder ones. It will help you avoid getting stuck on a difficult question for too long, which can lower your score.
Make a Study Plan
Review the skills and concepts that carry the most weight on the AP Psychology exam to create an effective study plan. Knowing the test format is also helpful so you can allocate your time accordingly. Next, list all the content you’ll need to study. Consider using a pre-made video if you need help determining where to begin. Without wasting too much time, it might assist you in swiftly grasping the essential ideas. Finally, create a study schedule that works for your schedule and lifestyle. Most students succeed with short, focused study sessions and frequent breaks. Be sure to block out times with zero distractions, such as a quiet room away from your phone and social media accounts.
