You’ve spent weeks revising, made your flashcards, tackled past papers, and now, exam day is here. But even with all that preparation, it’s the small slip-ups that can throw you off. The kind that seems obvious afterwards and frustrating when results roll in.
The good news? Most of them can be avoided. Knowing what to watch out for helps you stay focused, stay calm, and give it your best shot. Read on to learn how to avoid easy mistakes and make sure your effort really pays off.
Misreading the Question
It’s easy to dive into an answer without properly reading what’s being asked. But if you skip over key words or misunderstand the focus, you risk giving a great answer to the wrong question.
So, take your time, underline key terms, and look closely at words like “describe”, “analyse”, or “justify” as they’re there to guide you. A short pause to get clear on the question can save you marks later.
Ignoring the Mark Scheme
You might know loads about a topic, but if your answer doesn’t tick the right boxes, you won’t score well.
Get familiar with how marks are given. AP exams follow strict marking criteria, so practice answering in a way that meets those expectations. When revising, compare your responses to model answers. Focus on being clear and direct, rather than cramming in everything you know.
Poor Time Management
Running out of time is a common slip-up. Many students write long, detailed responses early on and end up rushing the final questions or leaving them out altogether.
Before you start, glance at the number of questions and work out roughly how much time to spend on each. If your paper lasts 60 minutes with four questions, aim for about 15 minutes per question. Use the final few minutes to tidy up anything you missed or correct any small errors.
Relying Too Much on Memorisation
Some students think memorising facts is enough, but AP exams often ask you to apply knowledge, not just repeat it.
Instead of only re-reading notes, try methods that really make the material stick. Quiz yourself, explain topics out loud, or teach a friend. The better you understand something, the easier it is to use it well in an exam.
Forgetting to Review Work
You’ve written your answers, your hand aches, and you just want to be done. But skipping a final check can mean missing silly mistakes like writing the wrong unit, mislabelling a diagram, or leaving out a sentence halfway through.
If you’ve got even two minutes at the end, use them. Read over what you’ve written. A small correction might make a big difference to your final mark.
Stay Smart, Not Just Busy
You don’t need to study all night or know everything by heart to do well. What matters most is how you prepare, how you manage your time, and how well you stay focused on the day. Pick one of these tips and start today. Small changes can help you feel more ready, more confident, and less overwhelmed.