With AP tests only a month away, the stress level is higher than ever and students begin to feel overwhelmed with studying and preparing for the big day. Instead of worrying and losing sleep over what or what not to do, here are some tips to use as the big day approaches and when it finally arrives:

• Invest time into studying. It does no good to take the class but then do nothing to prepare for the test in order to get the college credit. After all, that is why we took the class anyway, right? So take just 30 minutes to an hour each day and you would be surprised with how well you can do and how prepared you will be.
• Go to those study sessions, they actually help. Many teachers generously set up review sessions on the weekends where they either ask students what they want to review or they find practice tests that students can take. Whatever the sessions include, they are beneficial and it is a great time to prepare and work hard.
• Buy the flashcards, study books or online test help subscriptions. Yes, the test prep books may seem overwhelming and you might not even know where to start, but they are there to benefit you. They say they have “proven techniques to help you score a 5,” and who wouldn’t want that?
• Get enough sleep! This goes for the night before the test as well as the weeks leading up to it. Getting a good night’s sleep allows people to feel rested and wake up refreshed and ready to take on the test.
• Eat the most important meal of the day. On the morning of the AP test, it is crucial to eat a well balanced breakfast that gives you enough energy to actually finish the test. Get some protein on the plate and pack some snacks so you are not the one with the growling stomach.
• Last but not least, be confident! You spent the entire year preparing for this test; do not fret. Whenever you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath because you got this!