How to get a 5 on the AP Biology Exam

Getting a good score on the AP exam can get you college credit which in turn saves you money, time and puts you ahead of others. Learn how to get a 5 in the AP Biology exam. First of all, realize that a 60% correct on the AP exam will get you a 5, you do not need to answer every question right. For multiple choice you can skip if you cannot eliminate any of the options. However, do not skip any of the Open Response questions. Sometimes very simple things that you write down will get you points.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Biology Textbook
• AP Biology Cliffnotes
• Notebook

1. 

   Understand the material. Biology can be a lot of memorization but thsuuere are processes you need to fully understand. Many people suggest you use flashcards, and that is a good idea for important vocab words, formulae etc. But memorization is not all you need. Use diagrams. Concept maps, flowcharts, drawings, anything that proves helpful.

2. 

   Do the homework in a notebook, not in lose paper, unless your teacher requires otherwise. This will help you stay organized throughout the year and know where to go if you need to refresh some ideas. Homework done on paper is more likely to be lost or misplaced.

3. 

   Keep your tests. One of the things I found very useful was reviewing the tests that I had taken throughout the year. They will help you review whta you have studied and make sure you don't miss any important.

4. 

   Buy yourself a review book. I used the Cliffnotes and found it to be very easy to understand and follow. While the textbook IS a great guide, it is broad, contains a lot of details. I suggest you go through the textbook, reading and skimming, and then thoroughly read the review book. Cliffnotes has tests at the end of each chapter, both multiple choice and open response like the AP exam. It is a great idea to do these tests and review the answers. You can find used cliffnote books for $1 on ebay! And if you are looking for a new one, go to Amazon.com

5. 

   Start your review early. AP exams are usually the second week of May. Start reviewing the material at least in the beginning of April. This way you will have plenty of time to go through the chapters.

6. 

   Review the 12 required labs. Both the multiple choice and open response have a lot of questions on laboratory work.

Tips & Warnings

• Many highschools offer extra help sessions with the teacher to prepare for the AP exam.
• I have found that Biology is one of those subjects that talking about the materials help to organize what you know.
• So use every opportunity to get with the teacher, ask questions, have discussions.
• Not all colleges will give you credit. While many accept 3,4,5 scores (passing scores) the best colleges may require a 5, and some do not give credit at all. Whatever the circumstances are for your college, you should be proud to be taking an AP class. Not every one can and not every one does.

[momofmop]

on 8/2/2009 Good advice for all students!

[somuchtodo]

on 7/17/2009 Great advice for doing well on the AP biology exam. Those high scores look great on High School transcripts. 5*