The school year is near its end, and students nationwide are gearing up for one of the most challenging times of the academic year, Advanced Placement testing. These exams, which the College Board administers, are scheduled to begin in early May and can significantly impact students’ college applications and academic future. For many high schoolers, especially juniors and seniors, AP exams are the highest point of a year’s intense study and preparation. AP exams are designed to assess students’ mastery of college-level material in various subjects, from AP Biology and AP U.S. History to AP Calculus and AP Literature (Might have to read Shakespeare). Scored on a scale of 1 to 5, a score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing and may earn students college credits or advanced placement in college courses, depending on the college they are planning to attend. With test day quickly approaching, now is the time for students to review content, strengthen weak areas, and practice exam strategies. Many teachers offer review sessions, and online resources like past exam questions from the College Board can be incredibly useful for independent study. Time management is key as it balances review for multiple subjects while helping students keep up with other classwork and extracurriculars can be tough, so planning with a study schedule can help students ultimately reduce stress. Students need to take care of their mental and physical well-being during this high-pressure time. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating well, and taking short breaks during long study sessions can make a big difference in performance. For seniors, especially, AP exams might be the final push in an already stressful year. It’s tempting for seniors to feel burnt out, but remember that doing well on AP tests can potentially save time and money in college, and it demonstrates strong academic ability to the admissions committee for colleges.