AP exam season is here, which means sleep schedules are ruined, highlighters are running out of ink and everyone is questioning why they thought taking multiple AP classes was a good idea. I have been through it, and trust me, it feels overwhelming, but it is not impossible. With the right strategies, you can survive without completely losing your mind. Here are some ideas that typically work for people studying for the AP exam: 

Rereading notes is a trap—do this instead

Look, I used to think that staring at my notes for hours counted as studying. It does not. The real way to get information to stick is active recall. Close your notes and try to explain the topic from memory. If you can’t, go back and review, then try again. Flashcards, practice questions, and even writing out key concepts from memory help more than passively re-reading. It feels harder, but that’s the point. Your brain remembers information better when it has to work for it. If you can explain a concept to a friend or even just say it out loud to yourself, you are in a good place.

Cramming will betray you—use spaced repetition instead

I get it; life is busy, and suddenly it’s the night before the exam and you’re trying to cram months of content in a few hours. But trust me, this approach doesn’t end well. Instead, break your studying into small chunks over time. Review topics a little every day instead of cramming everything at once. Your brain remembers information better this way, and you won’t have to rely on pure panic to get through the test. Try reviewing older topics in between new ones to keep everything fresh in your mind. Even just 15 to 20 minutes a day leading up to the test makes a massive difference compared to pulling an all-nighter.

After-school review sessions are free test prep—use them

If your teacher is offering after-school review sessions, go. I skipped some when I was taking AP classes, and I still regret it. These sessions are free help, and teachers often give insights into how questions are typically formatted. Plus, asking questions in a smaller group is way less stressful than doing it during class. Even if you feel like you understand the material, these sessions often bring up things you wouldn’t have thought to review. And let’s be honest, if you’re going to be stressing about the exam anyway, you might as well be in a room where someone can help you.

YouTube will save you

Textbooks can be confusing sometimes, and that’s when YouTube comes in clutch. Channels like CrashCourse, Khan Academy, and especially Heimler’s History (if you’re in APUSH or AP Gov) explain things in a way that makes sense. Whenever I was stuck, I’d just search for a video and get the help I needed in minutes. The best part? You can pause, rewind, and take things at your own pace. If you’re having trouble with a topic, there’s probably a video that breaks it down in a way you can understand. Seriously, YouTube is like having a personal tutor on standby, and it’s a lifesaver during AP season.

Take care of yourself: you’re not a machine

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind and push yourself to study for hours without a break, but remember you’re not a machine. Your brain needs rest to work at its best, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat something healthy, and take short breaks to recharge. Exercise is also a great way to clear your head, even if it’s just a quick walk. When you’re well-rested and feeling good physically, your brain absorbs information much better. Don’t sacrifice your mental and physical health for the sake of studying. AP season is tough enough, so make sure you’re looking out for yourself along the way.