5 Steps to a 5: AP Biology - Mark Anestis 2021

STEP 1 Set Up Your Study Program
CHAPTER 2 How to Plan Your Time

IN THIS CHAPTER

Summary: What to study for the AP Biology exam, depending on how much time you have available, plus three schedules to help you plan your course of study.

Key Ideas

Focus your attention and spend time on those topics that are most likely to increase your score.

Study the topics that you are afraid will appear, and relax about those that you know best.

Do not study so widely that you forget to learn the important details of some of the more heavily detailed topics that appear on the AP Biology exam.

Three Approaches to Preparing for the AP Biology Exam

Overview of the Three Plans

No one knows your study habits, likes, and dislikes better than you do. So you are the only one who can decide which approach you want or need to adopt to prepare for the Advanced Placement Biology exam. Look at the brief profiles below. These may help you determine a prep mode.

You’re a Full-Year Prep Student (Plan A) if

1. You are the kind of person who likes to plan for everything very far in advance.

2. You arrive at the airport two hours before your flight because “you never know when these planes might leave early.”

3. You like detailed planning and everything in its place.

4. You feel that you must be thoroughly prepared.

5. You hate surprises.

You’re a One-Semester Prep Student (Plan B) if

1. You get to the airport one hour before your flight is scheduled to leave.

2. You are willing to plan ahead to feel comfortable in stressful situations, but are okay with skipping some details.

3. You feel more comfortable when you know what to expect, but a surprise or two is cool.

4. You’re always on time for appointments.

You’re a Six-Week Prep Student (Plan C) if

1. You get to the airport just as your plane is announcing its final boarding.

2. You work best under pressure and tight deadlines.

3. You feel very confident with the skills and background you’ve learned in your AP Biology class.

4. You decided late in the year to take the exam.

5. You like surprises.

6. You feel okay if you arrive 10—15 minutes late for an appointment.