Step 7: General Strategies
IMPORTANT: The single most important thing to know about AP exams is that the grading curves are very lenient. Remember, the highest score that you can get is a 5, which is on average equivalent to 75% accuracy on the exam. The implication is that you don’t need to master every single question or even every single concept. Just know a majority of the subject matter and you will get a 5. On the test, if you are stuck on a question or two, skip it. You can afford to miss a couple of questions. The important thing is to get the bulk of the questions right.
• It is almost always a good idea to guess. As long as you can eliminate at least one answer, then go with your gut on the best answer. The expected gain (1 point multiplied by more than 25%) exceeds the potential loss of ¼ point.
• Adjust your speed according to the test. Some exams are difficult to finish in time while others give you too much time. Almost everyone finishes history exams early because those questions are the type of question where you either know the answer instantly or you don’t. On the other hand, exams such as Calculus and Chemistry are difficult to finish on time because most questions require calculations that can be done endlessly. The moral is: be aware of how much time you have left and adjust your speed accordingly. If you have more time, check your work and work carefully. If you have less time, skip questions that are too difficult and move quickly through questions.
