The AP Biology exam is just days away, and you don’t have time to read every page of your textbook. That’s why this RevisionDojo Crash Course focuses on only the most testable concepts, skills, and strategies that will boost your score in the final stretch.
We’ll cover:
- What to review in each AP Bio unit in the last week
- How to prioritize FRQ practice for maximum points
- The fastest way to boost MCQ accuracy
- A 7-day last-minute review schedule
Step 1 – Know the Exam Structure
Multiple-Choice (MCQ) Section:
- 60 questions
- 90 minutes
- 50% of your score
- Many are stimulus-based (data tables, graphs, experimental setups)
Free-Response (FRQ) Section:
- 6 questions (2 long, 4 short)
- 90 minutes
- 50% of your score
- Requires precise, concise, and evidence-based answers
Step 2 – High-Yield Unit Focus
In the last week, focus on topics most likely to appear and those with high scoring potential.
Unit 1 – Chemistry of Life
- Water properties (cohesion, adhesion, specific heat)
- Macromolecule structures and functions (carbs, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)
Unit 2 – Cell Structure & Function
- Organelles and their roles
- Membrane transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
Unit 3 – Cellular Energetics
- Photosynthesis & cellular respiration pathways
- Enzyme structure & function
Unit 4 – Cell Communication & Cycle
- Signal transduction pathways
- Checkpoints & cancer
Unit 5 – Heredity
- Mendelian vs non-Mendelian inheritance
- Meiosis stages and genetic variation
Unit 6 – Gene Expression & Regulation
- Transcription, translation, and mutations
- Operon models
Unit 7 – Natural Selection
- Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
- Evidence for evolution
Unit 8 – Ecology
- Energy flow & trophic levels
- Population growth curves
Step 3 – FRQ Crash Practice
Why FRQs Matter Last-Minute:
You can gain points simply by showing partial understanding — even if you can’t fully solve the question.
Last-Week FRQ Strategy:
- Do 1 long + 2 short FRQs daily under timed conditions.
- Immediately check with College Board scoring guidelines.
- Identify keywords and phrases that earn points.
- Practice describing experimental design (controls, variables, constants).
FRQ Patterns to Review:
- “Design an experiment”
- “Explain the relationship” (cause-effect logic)
- “Predict and justify” (give reasoning, not just answer)
Step 4 – MCQ Accuracy Boost
3-Day MCQ Sprint Plan:
- Day 1: 40 MCQs on early units (1–4)
- Day 2: 40 MCQs on later units (5–8)
- Day 3: 60 mixed MCQs simulating test day
MCQ Tips:
- Look for data trends before reading options.
- Eliminate extreme/absolute statements first.
- In experimental questions, identify independent/dependent variables quickly.
Step 5 – 7-Day Crash Course Schedule
Day 7: Unit 1 + Unit 2 review, FRQs from these units
Day 6: Unit 3 + Unit 4 review, FRQs + MCQs
Day 5: Unit 5 + Unit 6 review, FRQs + MCQs
Day 4: Unit 7 + Unit 8 review, FRQs + MCQs
Day 3: Full MCQ section under timed conditions
Day 2: Full FRQ section under timed conditions
Day 1: Light review + formula sheet + rest
Step 6 – Exam Day Readiness
- Bring multiple pencils and black/blue pens.
- Pack your calculator (approved model).
- Eat a balanced breakfast with protein.
- Arrive early and do light breathing exercises to reduce stress.
FAQ – AP Biology Crash Course
Q1: Can I really improve in just a week?
Yes — focusing on high-yield topics and practicing test formats can boost your score significantly.
Q2: Should I skip weak topics?
No — give them brief review but prioritize likely-tested areas.
Q3: How many FRQs should I do before test day?
At least 10–12 in the final week for pacing and familiarity.
Final Call-to-Action
Want RevisionDojo’s downloadable Crash Course packet with unit-by-unit summary sheets, past FRQ links, and a last-week pacing calendar? Visit RevisionDojo to get started and walk into test day prepared to earn your highest score.
