AP Season Is Coming: Executive Function to the Rescue

AP Season Is Coming: Executive Function to the Rescue

AP Season Is Coming: Executive Function to the Rescue

By SOS4Students Coach Marco

It’s springtime, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and your teen is in the library cramming for … AP season. The stress is real, study guides are stacking up, and there are so many tempting new episodes on Netflix. But before your student spirals into an AP induced melt down, let’s talk about how executive function tools can turn that panic into a plan.

SOS4Students-AP Season Is Coming, Executive Function to the Rescue

The Power of the Plan

When students are staring down multiple AP exams, the biggest hurdle is knowing where to start. The first step should always be a plan.

1. Have your student sit down and list all the tests scheduled for that student.

2. Next, break each test down:

  • What content areas need the most attention? (The student’s teachers should know this.)
  • What resources are available, such as review books, practice tests, class notes? (There are some excellent practice tests on College Board.)
  • How many days are left before each exam? (Here’s a link to the AP test schedule.)
  • Which tests does the student need to focus on more?

3. Then, take out a calendar.

  • Start with the AP test date and work in reverse to build daily or weekly goals. Use color-coding, sticky notes, whiteboards—whatever helps make the timeline feel real.

SOS4Students AP Test Study Plan Template

👉 Download this AP plan template as a PDF you can start using right now.

Chunk the Chaos

Studying for APs is overwhelming by design. Help combat the overwhelm by having your student break down tasks associated with the AP exam into bite size chunks.

  • Chunk size varies by student, but I like to make my chunks about 25 minutes long. That’s one task, or one part of a task that takes 25 minutes to complete.
  • Incorporate frequent breaks. These don’t just help with overwhelm, they help your student absorb the information better than just cramming.
  • For students who work well in groups, encourage them to phone a friend and meet up somewhere to study. (Pro-Tip: give your student a little pocket money to meet somewhere fun to study like a coffee or boba shop.)
  • Plan downtime! APs are so stressful that students often feel guilty when having well deserved downtime. When they plan their downtime, it gives their brains permission to take a much-needed break.
  • Make study time as pleasurable as possible. Snacks, music, a quiet place to work, a nice smelling candle, can all make study time less of a chore.

Let’s Add Some Structure

Executive function thrives on structure. Have your student make a daily checklist. Crossing things off a checklist gives students a little dopamine boost and builds momentum.

SOS4Students AP Test Daily Checklist

Remember…

Perfection is not and will never be the goal; it’s all about progress. AP prep is showing up every day, a little structure, a little motivation, and a truckload of patience. Remind your student that it’s okay to be overwhelmed, but that there is always a way through.

With the right tools, students are not just prepping for a test, they’re learning how to handle pressure, manage time, and plan ahead. And those are skills they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

We Are Here to Help

SOS4Students helps families and students navigate executive function issues, test prep, and more, enabling them to reach their full potential. If you have questions about coaching, advocacy, or other ways in which we can help, contact us today at (510) 531-4767 or .