You've studied for months. Don't let exam-day logistics cost you points. Here's the complete pre-exam checklist used by students who score 5s.
What to Bring (Required)
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers — Required for the multiple-choice section. Mechanical pencils are NOT allowed.
- Two black or dark blue pens — For free-response sections.
- Government-issued photo ID if you're not testing at your own school.
- Your AP ID label sheet from your school AP coordinator.
- Calculator if your exam permits one (AP Calc, Stats, Chem, Physics, Bio, Macro, Micro). Check approved calculator list — your TI-84 is fine; your phone is not.
What to Bring (Smart)
- Water bottle (clear) — Allowed at most test centers. Hydration matters more than you think.
- Snack for the break — Protein bar, banana, nuts. Avoid sugar spikes.
- Layered clothing — Test rooms are randomly freezing or sweltering. Wear layers.
- Watch (analog, no smart features) — Helps you pace without staring at the room clock.
What to Leave Home (Banned)
- Phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers — strict ban. Confiscation = invalid score.
- Notes, textbooks, scratch paper of your own.
- Highlighters, colored pencils (most exams).
- Food/drink during the exam itself (only during breaks).
The Night Before
- Don't cram new content. The last 18 hours are for recovery, not learning. Anything you don't know by 6pm the night before isn't going on the test.
- Light review only: Re-read your one-page cheat sheet of formulas, themes, or rubric points. 15 minutes max.
- Set out everything you're bringing. Reduces morning decision-making.
- Sleep 8 hours. Studies repeatedly show sleep > extra study for exam performance.
The Morning Of
- Eat real protein. Eggs, Greek yogurt, oatmeal. Avoid sugar cereals — you'll crash mid-exam.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals are often turned away. Traffic, parking, finding the room — assume something will go wrong.
- Use the bathroom before check-in. Bathroom breaks during the exam count against your time.
During the Exam
- MCQs: Don't get stuck. If a question takes more than 90 seconds, mark it and move on. Come back if time allows.
- FRQs: Spend the first 3 minutes outlining. An organized 4-paragraph response beats a panicked 6-paragraph one every time.
- Pace by section. Know roughly how many minutes per question your exam allows. Check your watch every 10 questions.
Managing Exam Anxiety
If you freeze: take three slow breaths. Find the easiest question on the page. Answer it. Momentum returns. Your brain knows the content — anxiety just needs a small win to step aside.
How Long to Study · AP Exam Dates 2027 · Practice on AimFive
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