Introduction:
With the beginning of March, it is now time for students in AP classes to start reviewing for their exams, which cover the entirety of the course curriculum. I wanted to write about my current opinions on the three AP classes I am taking (AP Biology, AP Computer Science A, and AP Statistics) and the resources I have been using to prepare me for both tests in the class and the national exam in May. I also wanted to share some tips I have for these three classes.
AP Biology:
My Opinion: So far, the curriculum for AP Biology has been very similar to the content covered in Honors Biology, except for part of Unit 4 with cell communication. Because of this, I have found learning the content of AP Biology easier than Honors because it is the second time I am learning the information, only going slightly more in-depth. However, the tests are more complex because they focus on applying the information learned rather than simply regurgitating memorized information. You are also tested on two or three chapters in the book rather than just one. The class is also faster paced than Honors. For example, we started Unit 3, which covers topics like photosynthesis and cellular respiration, in November in AP Biology, while in Honors, it was covered in January and February. There are also more labs in AP, but none are like the massive food lab one you do in Honors. (if you know, you know)
Tips: AP quizzes and tests focus on the big picture. You do not have to learn every nitty little concept in the textbook. Usually, students dread the units on photosynthesis and cellular respiration because they think they have to memorize each little step involved in the processes. But it is nowhere near as daunting when they realize the amount of content they have to learn. It is also vital to be able to make connections between units, as they all build on each other.
Resources:
AP Biology Penguins – This website is run by an AP Biology teacher, Mrs. Jones. She has a comprehensive, 396 page review guide to help students prepare for the AP Exam. She also has Quizzes and video reviews for each unit. Additionally, she regularly goes live on her Instagram and Youtube accounts to answer questions from students. (even some of mine)
AP Daily Videos – Made by the College Board themselves and hosted on AP Classroom, there are videos for each section of the course, and there is practice multiple choice and free response questions at the end.
Textbook practice tests – Our AP Biology uses the textbook Campbell Biology, which has their own practice tests at the end of each chapter, which I find to be helpful.
AP Computer Science A:
My Opinion: Most students, including myself, taking the course have already taken Computer Programming I, so we went into the class knowing the programming language Python. Having been exposed to programming and creating algorithms, I found it not too difficult to start learning Java, the required programming language in AP Computer Science A. The class is very independent. The teacher usually gives a short lecture about the concepts being covered that day, and then we complete some sections of our online textbook hosted on the Zybooks platform. There are also frequent “labs,” which are assignments in which you write programs to solve a problem in a given prompt, that have to be completed. They are not too difficult, but it is very important to ask questions when you have errors and need help.
Tips: To “demonstrate” your knowledge of the sections in the online textbook, there are multiple choice questions that go along with the reading. It gives instant feedback, and it is possible to just breeze through what you are assigned by aimlessly clicking until you get the correct answer. However, it is essential NOT TO DO THIS because even if you get the homework points, you are not learning it, and it will not help you in the long run on tests where you will not be able to look back at the textbook as a resource.
Resources:
Bill Barnum – Bill Barnum on Youtube has a review video for the concepts covered in each unit and also has videos for practice free response questions.
Codecademy – A learning platform that offers tutorials and problems in a variety of programming languages. If you purchase the paid version, there are projects that you can do.
AP Daily Videos – Made by the College Board themselves and hosted on AP Classroom, there are videos for each section of the course, and there is practice multiple choice and free response questions at the end.
AP Statistics:
My Opinion: AP Statistics is not your typical math class. Despite it having a prerequisite of Algebra 2, the concepts covered in this class, while not too difficult, are new and do not build on ones from prior courses. You have to be able to communicate and interpret the math you do in writing, which can take some getting used to. I like this class a lot because real-world applications are built into every unit. I think that any student could benefit from taking this course.
Tips: The class is structured in a way where you can actively participate and take notes or stare blankly at the teacher for the entire class period. I have found that I performed much better on the units where I was attentive than on the unit I was zoned out of because it was the last week before Christmas break. Do not take the lazy way out: it is much easier to cover a chapter’s concepts over a couple of weeks by listening than in one night. The best way to study for this class, like any other math class, is to practice, whether it be practice problems on the textbook or resources you find online. Make sure not to skip on writing explanations when practicing, either. The more you are comfortable with it, the easier it will be on test day.
Resources:
Textbook – Our AP Statistics textbook has practice questions at the end of each chapter in “AP Style,” which are very helpful. There are both multiple choice and free response questions.
Michael Porinchak – Micheal Porinchak on Youtube has videos on each unit from AP Statistics and completes questions from past AP Exams. He also has videos on tips for the exam and calculator tricks that you can use.
AP Daily Videos – Made by the College Board themselves and hosted on AP Classroom, there are videos for each section of the course, and there is practice multiple choice and free response questions at the end.