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AP Exams Do’s & Don’ts
You know that “AP" doesn't stand for "All-Powerful," but it could. If you're feeling the pressure of the all-powerful AP exams, and all you want to do is curl up in a ball, no worries, we're here to help. Take a deep breath and check out our AP Do’s and Don’ts list.
Remember, you got this!
DO Bring Pencils & Pens
We know this is our first “DO,” but don’t just bring one pencil. You should bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers for completing multiple-choice answer sheets. You can also bring a few pens with black or dark blue ink for completing areas on the exam booklet covers and for free-response questions in most exams.DON’T Bring Other Writing Tools
Although they are fun to work with, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, correction fluid, and highlighters are not allowed. Save those for other creative projects.DO Bring a Ruler
You are allowed to use a ruler if you’re taking the AP Physics Exam, but not a protractor. Rulers are not allowed for any other AP Exams.DON’T Bring Notes or Scratch Paper
You can, however, make notes on whatever space is available to write on, whether it’s the margins of your exam booklet or your arm. Okay, your arm is probably not the best place to make notes. Stick to your exam booklet.DO Bring a Watch
If you think you will not be able to see the clocks clearly in the exam area, be sure to bring your favorite watch.DON’T Bring a Noisy Watch
Don’t be that person whose watch has a timer that beeps or makes noises every few minutes. Annoying!DO Bring a Calculator
You can bring up to two calculators with the necessary capabilities if you are taking an AP Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, or Physics exam.DON’T Bring a New Calculator You’ve Never Used Before
Test day is not the day to start using a fancy new calculator with functions and figures you don't know how to use. Visit the College Board website for more information on approved graphing calculators and policies.DO Bring Your Photo ID & Social Security Number
Although it’s optional, we suggest you bring your photo ID and social security number for identification purposes. If you provide it, the number will appear on your AP score reports.DON'T Bring Any Electronic Devices to the Exam
Leave the following devices at home or in your car: Cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablet computers, portable listening or recording devices, MP3 players (with headphones), iPods, cameras or other photographic equipment, devices that can access the Internet, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Bluetooth-enabled devices, e-mail/messaging devices, or any other electronic or communication devices. PHEW, that’s a long list!DO Bring a Lunch
By the time you finish the exam, you'll be famished and our cafeteria will be closed, so you should bring a lunch and leave it in your shop for later.DON'T Bring Food Into the Exam Room
Even though food fuels the body and mind, there is no food or drink allowed in the exam area.DO Keep Your Eyes on Your Exam
We know it's tempting to look around during the exam, but just stay focused.DON'T Talk Out Loud to Yourself During the Exam
It doesn't matter what you're talking about, just don't do it. You can be disqualified if the proctor gets even an inkling that you might be trying to give answers away or distract other students.DO Wear Comfy Clothing
Although there are no studies that show a direct correlation between clothing and test results, there is truth to the idea that how a person dresses can affect their attitude and self-confidence. So, feel free to wear comfy clothes that make you feel good and don't distract you from the goal at hand.DON’T Wear Clothing with Subject-Related Information on It
Okay, don't even try to pull off wearing clothing that has subject-related logos, taglines, or information of any kind on it. The proctor is watching!DO Practice
Do you know that dream where you show up at your exam naked? The AP equivalent is showing up without knowing the exam format. There is no way to know exactly what will be on the exam, but the College Board website can get you ready for exam day by practicing some sample questions.Last, but not least...
DON'T Worry
Stay positive! Even if you’re feeling like your brain is ready to explode, it’s not. You’re awesome!Note: Some exceptions to these rules are made by the College Board Services for students with disabilities.
