1. SIX SECRETES TO SUCCESS IN AP BIOLOGY (and other classes too!)
By Barbara Beitch from AP BIOLOGY 7th edition
by Neil A. Campbell and Jane B. Reece © 2005 Pearson Prentice Hall/Benjamin Cummings

2. Be an active learner IN class
Showing up is not enough.
Don’t sit passively in class and
just “take notes”.
Think critically
ASK QUESTIONS
Participate in labs and activities

3. Be an active learner OUTSIDE class
There is a correlation between academic success and study time BUT . . .
it is QUALITY not QUANTITY that matters!
Teach someone else
Find students you are compatible with and
form a study group
Avoid “host-parasite” interactions
Working with a study group doesn’t mean “group answers” ! DO YOUR OWN WORK!

4. Be an active learner OUTSIDE class
Create your own test questions
Include 5 plausible answers
Make correct answer the same length as the distractors.
Avoid: all of the above, always, and never
“Facts” are important, but also look for
major themes and connections
Try to make connections by integrating
different topics into some ?’s
Include some “Compare and Contrast” ?’s
Then write out answers and verify with book

5. Use Concept Headings in chapters to help you organize
USE YOUR RESOURCES
Use Concept Headings in chapters to help you organize
Complete ?’s at end of chapter (even if not assigned) and check answers in back of book
Use CD and online textbook to review concepts and quiz yourself
Use Activities, flash cards, and other review
tools on your CD and online textbook
Don’t skip over figures and tables in chapter
Other AP review resources can be purchased

6. Don’t rely on memorization!
Yes, vocab is important
(You need it to communicate what you understand) BUT . . .
DON’T STOP THERE!
Integrate the terms you know into “BIGGER IDEAS”
Tie concepts together with each other and to the THEMES
SEE THE BIG PICTURE
EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED!

7. Hone your time management skills
Strive for a balance juggling classes, extracurriculars, work, and relaxing time
MAKE A SCHEDULE
including study time and due dates
AP assignments are more open ended
You must keep up with the reading AND plan time for long range assignments such as lab reports
Be responsible for your own independent
study requirements (You know what topics need refreshing)

8. MAKE CONNECTIONS. . . Relate what you learn to real world
Connect topics discussed in class to what you hear on the news
Practice making connections helps when you encounter unfamiliar ?’s on AP Exam
Learning to recognize themes can help you make connections