May is just around the corner and you know what that means: it’s time to take Advanced Placement exams! While sitting down for a three-hour test that covers everything you’ve learned all year may seem daunting, it’s very possible to do well if you prepare.

When you prepare for a test it’s important to know the nature of it. An AP test, with the exception of Studio Art, usually consists of two sections—a multiple choice and an open-ended free response. Exams usually take around 3 hours to complete.

Once you’ve figured out the general structure of your exam(s), be sure to review the actual content that the exam consists of. Using a review book such as The Princeton Review or Barron’s may be helpful to refresh yourself on topics that you may not be sure about. Once you feel confident in regards to the actual content of the test, it’s time to simulate a test.

The College Board, the makers of AP tests, offer practice AP tests for every subject on their website. Many review books offer practice exams as well. Try to take the test exactly as you would on the actual date—work in a quiet environment, pay attention to time constraints and go in the exact order of the test, if possible taking a break between sections. It’s important to note that there is no guessing penalty on the exam so make sure to answer every question. Taking a practice exam is possibly the most important part of preparing for an AP test because it gives you a feel of what your test day will be like and an indication of your score range.

It is also vital to get a good night’s sleep before the test because falling asleep in the middle of an exam will surely prove to be disastrous to your score. Additionally, you should eat a good breakfast because if you are thinking about your starvation, you probably won’t be able to concentrate on the exam. If you have back-to-back tests scheduled in one day, be sure to bring a lunch to eat in between tests. Lastly, stay calm because it is difficult to put your best effort towards an exam when you’re stressed out. If you find your mind drifting off to things like weekend plans or how you should have never taken this AP class, stop and remind yourself that you need to focus on this subject for just a couple more hours and then you’re done.

After the exam, treat yourself to a reward. Eating dinner out or getting together with friends are both possible ideas. Don’t worry about how you did because it is out of your control. Around mid-July, the College Board posts exam scores on their website, accessible with your AP number. After seeing your score, be sure to check your college’s policy on granting credit for your AP test and score. Good luck!