I, like many other high school students, are looking out across the vast ocean which is AP tests. They never seem to end, and the other side is a long and arduous journey away. It may even involve some sea sickness. But I would be lying if I said I was shivering at the thought of jumping in. Maybe I'm just in denial that they're happening (a very real possibility), or maybe I've just finally found my wet suit to keep all the scariness of AP tests out, and all the real priorities and the warmth of their goodness in. Yet, I know that my situation is somewhat unique. I see plenty of my peers white-knuckling it through these bad boys, and forgetting that it's okay to relax your grip. Maybe even better. Ain't nobody got time for hand cramps.
So this is how I keep the AP-waters tepid and free from raging storms the night before an AP Test:
1. I make sure that I've tied up any loose ends (concepts, etc.) the week before, so that the night before, I'm not cramming and trying to learn anything new. By this point your picnic basket is full. There is no use in trying to squeeze in one more apple, it will only smoosh the sandwiches.
2. I review some stuff for my test, notes, review book, etc. AND THEN I STOP around 4:30 or 5.
3. Relax. There's nothing more you can do. Trust your teacher, and yourself that you've done everything you can. Now just go about a regular routine. Read a book, watch TV. Go to bed early, around 9ish. And make sure to have all your stuff together for the morning so I don't have to rush around. And eat a big breakfast, protein (eggs, sausage, bacon), piece of fruit, some carbs (toast, bagel), and juice. I like tea too, it's a good time for comfort food.
The key I think to not worrying about this stuff, is knowing that twenty years from now, I'm not going to be thinking "oh I should have studied for that AP Bio test more." It's just another small step along the way, and really it's not an ocean, just a puddle. You can look at it as something that will get your feet wet and cold, or it can be a chance to make a splash and do some stompin'.
You're smart. You're ready. You've prepped all year for this. Take a deep breath. Own it.
Happy Testing!
~Kat
P.S. Here's a little happy distraction. It's sure to make you smile, even now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1seI7NFeSU
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