AP Testing: Tips and Tricks for ‘26

5 quick tips to ace your AP tests this May

1. Actually Study

So often, students—especially those taking their first AP class(es)—treat the AP test like a state test, and studying takes a back seat. For the best chance at acing your test, supplement your in-class review with resources from credible sources like Princeton Review, Ultimate Review Packet, or even YouTube AP Reviews.

2. Get a Good Night of Sleep

Research on the effects of sleep adequacy versus sleep deprivation shows that getting an adequate amount of sleep is more positively correlated with test performance than cramming into the early morning (see this National Institutes of Health study). Get a good night’s sleep to feel your best for the test!

3. Eat a Good Breakfast

Studies have shown that a positive correlation exists between eating a nutritious breakfast and standardized test scores (see this National Institutes of Health study). By starting the day off with a good foundation, you can give it your all on test day.

4. Choose a Guess Letter

It is statistically proven that choosing a consistent “guess letter” to default to when unsure of the answer often yields better results and less volatility than randomly guessing on a question-by-question basis. Choose a letter, and stick to it!

5. Skip it and move on

For the best time management on test day, focus on the questions you know you can answer first. If you encounter a question that stumps you, guess on it, mark it for review, and move on to easier questions. If you have time at the end, you can always come back.