The National AP tests begin on Monday and with many Westsiders striving to get a 5, teachers are offering some helpful hints to ensure success.
When preparing for the test, use these study tips:

• Practice any practice problems or practice booklets that you have been given.
• Take a diagnostic test in one of the AP prep booklets to identify your areas of weakness, then make those areas a priority for review.
• Do some research and try to find out what to expect on the test so the content and format won’t be a big surprise. Find out how the exam is weighted in its content; on some tests such as Psychology, more questions come from the Cognition unit than the States of Consciousness unit.
• Utilize Quizlet. Quiz yourself or have someone else quiz you without your notes. This will give you an idea of what you need to study more while helping you review.
• A little bit of studying is better than no studying. Space out your studying and do a little each day so it doesn’t feel like too much and cause extra stress.

The night before and morning of are important, too. Do not forget to do these things:

• Make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before; eight hours is the perfect amount of sleep to leave you rested and reenergized.
• Eat a good breakfast. A variation of eggs, cereal, and whole wheat toast are stated by the ASCA to be some of the best foods to eat the morning of a test. The whole grains will keep you full and the protein in the eggs will boost your energy.
• Drink plenty of water. According to an article written by Amanda Hermes on Livestrong.com, dehydration can cause fatigue, a decrease in concentration, and reduced brain function.
• Plan ahead where to keep your things while testing. Students are only allowed to bring an ID, pencil/pen, and depending on the test, a calculator or laptop.

Once the test has started, try to remember these helpful strategies:

• If given a multiple choice section, go through it a total of three times. The first time through answer only the questions you are sure of. The second time through, spend a little more time on the questions you believe you can answer with a little  more work and thought. If you have time for a third time through, focus on the hardest questions and try to eliminate as many answers as possible. This will give your guess a better chance of being right.
• Answer every question. You will not be penalized for a wrong answer so filling in an answer for every question is a must.
• Try not to spend too much time on one question, there are fifty other questions waiting to be answered.
• If writing an essay, make a brief outline. It’ll help keep you on track while you’re frantically jotting down your thoughts.
• Be confident and positive. Do not give up because you are tired or the test is long and difficult. Just remind yourself that it will only last a few hours.