2020’s Advanced Placement (AP) exams are scheduled to take place from May 11-22, with make-up exams June 1-5. However, due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, the exams will look a little different this year.
Despite necessary adjustments, 91 percent, opens a new window of AP students remain eager to complete their year of hard work and earn college credit. San Mateo County Libraries is here to help you prepare.
College Board Updates on COVID-19
The College Board has announced some important changes, opens a new window to keep AP test takers safe.
- All AP exams will take place remotely.
- You may take your exams on any internet-enabled device.
- Alternatively, you may submit photos of handwritten responses.
- If you don’t have a reliable device, fill out this request form in English, opens a new window or Spanish, opens a new window by April 24.
- All AP exams will be open book and open note, opens a new window.
- Exams will not cover topics typically studied past March.
You can learn more about these official updates by reading the College Board’s AP FAQ page, opens a new window. Their website also provides a chart of exam dates and times, opens a new window.
Library Resources to Support AP Students
With so many changes to exam expectations and daily classwork, you might be searching for new ways to study from home.
Our High School Research databases contain an abundance of information relevant to a wide range of high school courses. For example, you can deepen your familiarity with primary sources on the History Reference Center. Or, review analyses of classic books with Literary Reference Center Plus.
If you’re practicing your persuasive or argumentative essay skills, you can enrich your skillset with the Points of View Reference Center. This database offers useful facts and engaging debates about many important topics, from carbon trading to emotional support animals.
To access free materials specifically geared toward the AP exam, check out our eBook collections. For example, you might find the perfect test prep guide among Hoopla’s Advanced Placement Study Aids, opens a new window.
We also offer some AP materials on enki Library, opens a new window and OverDrive., opens a new window For some tips on how to use OverDrive, particularly on a Kindle Fire, check out this helpful video on Niche Academy, opens a new window.
Beyond the library, there are other resources that can help you excel on your exam. For example, Khan Academy, opens a new window provides free supplemental courses for many AP subjects, including Statistics, Calculus, Chemistry, and World History. Or, if you’re searching for a quick content review, CrashCourse videos, opens a new window might be just what you need for a memory spark.
Of course, don’t forget to review the College Board’s official practice materials, opens a new window and, most importantly, your own notes.
Online Resources Can Be Effective Study Supports
No matter what resource you are reviewing, be cautious about adding too much to your notes. While you can reference your notes during the exams this year, you may not copy information directly from outside sources. (As with all academic writing, don’t risk plagiarizing!)
Instead, use your studying time to develop your understanding of key concepts. Practice thinking critically, making connections, and synthesizing different sources to make your own unique argument. You might not need to memorize every formula or vocabulary word this year, but you will need to demonstrate your understanding of core concepts.
We believe you can do it! If you’ve found a great way to prepare for your AP exams, drop us a comment below. We would love to share your tips with other students like you.
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