There are just over two weeks left before AP tests start. An entire year’s worth of class results is about to be determined by two weeks of testing. These weeks can be incredibly stressful, especially for those new to AP testing or those with five, six, or even seven tests. However, the worst thing you can do during these weeks is psych yourself out.

There is always a first time for everything, and this includes AP tests. For first timers, you should know the test is never as hard as you assume it will be. The most notable example we see this on is WHAP, where students spend a year dreading the exam. Take it from those who survived the experience, you’re prepared for the test and it isn’t near as bad as you think it will be.

The entire year is spent learning the subject you are testing on. Teachers WILL help you because it helps them to do so. Teachers can potentially garner significant financial and placement advantages if they produce successful AP testers. Those with high passing results can secure better jobs, so this gives a lot of incentive to ensure their students won’t fall short. They have been through this before, and know what needs to be done to reach this success. They will tell you what you need to do.

Taking more than one test can stress out the most organized students as they wonder what they need to study and when. They key to passing is to simply take it as it comes. As long as you do what the teacher recommends, the best second step is to remain stress free. Stress can compromise your thinking ability, and you don’t want to miss a bubble or easy question on the AP test. Just because you have more than one AP exam doesn’t mean you need to cram for your second one; the entire year was your preparing for this exam so don’t to cram, just review for a few weeks. Cramming only means you won’t remember as much, and won’t do as well.

AP tests are certainly a big deal, but never as big as they’re made out to be. Stress is your greatest enemy, and being able to prepare without over-preparing is easy if you listen to those who know what they’re doing. What’s the worst you can happen? Failing doesn’t impact your grade, it just means you take that class again in college. By that time you’ll already know enough about that class to make it a breeze anyway.