With AP and IB exams looming in the distance but closing in with each passing day, CHS students have begun to plan better studying habits in order to maximize their full potential. From IB History of the Americas to AP Chemistry, each test requires different study strategies to succeed. Starting with preparing flashcards to taking practice tests, Claremont High School upperclassmen shared their thoughts on exam season, favorite study hacks and tips, and how to combat the mutual enemy of procrastination. Junior Zoie Feng recently shared insight on how to best prepare for AP and IB exams.
“For exams, I would say that students should prepare one or two months in advance but it would really depend on which class you’re preparing for,” Feng said. “Language classes don’t require any hard studying, they require a lot of practice. Typically, the content covered in AP classes already helps in preparing for the exams but it would be nice to review some of the stuff from earlier in the year once in a while.”
In essence, Feng advises us to begin studying now in an effort not to be extremely stressed later in the year when the AP and IB exam season begins. However, learning how to study effectively can also be a challenge. Late nights and complex topics can make students feel disheartened and confused about how to fully understand all of the material. CHS Junior Kaitlyn Tirona shared how she best prepares for the upcoming exams.
“I like having group study sessions [or] discussions,” Tirona said. “They help a lot with making connections between different concepts.”
Studying with others can help with working out difficult topics, and working with friends and classmates can also make studying more enjoyable.
Despite our efforts to stay motivated, the temptation to procrastinate can be overwhelming at times.
“To combat procrastination, I think of its consequences,” Feng said, drawing from her own experience. “For example, if I leave studying for chemistry the night of the exam, I sense that it wouldn’t go well so I study whenever I can before then. I think that this method is pretty effective for me because I constantly worry about my grades.”
By planning ahead, students can stay on top of their work and prevent the severe stress of cramming months worth of studying into a few nights before the exam. Creating a study schedule can boost students’ time management and avoid burnout. Senior Samuel Kim advised on how to best do this.
“Start studying as early as possible for exams,” Kim said. “Try to study as much as you can in the months leading up to the exam, and get a practice book to study for exams.”
In addition to studying with friends, planning ahead, and actively working against procrastination, there are a variety of online tools students use. Upperclassmen’s favorite study resources included Khan Academy, @seoul.prepared on Instagram, CrashCourse on YouTube, TheOrganicChemistryTutor on YouTube (who teaches a lot more than just organic chemistry), and platforms like Quizlet or Quizizz.
The truth is evident: exams are approaching, and faster than ever. To maximize success, start studying for your AP and IB exams! The consensus of upperclassmen is that studying proactively cannot be underemphasized. To mitigate the effects of procrastination, students should weigh the effects of their actions and how they may affect their grades. Collaboration is key to success, and working together with classmates and friends can make studying much more enjoyable. So, what are you waiting for? Start early, find your study zone, and don’t let procrastination win—good luck on your exams!
