Acing the AP Biology exam isn’t just about knowing the content — it’s about performing under timed, test-day conditions. That’s why doing a full mock exam is one of the most effective ways to prepare. At RevisionDojo, we’ve helped thousands of students practice like it’s the real thing, and here’s exactly how to do it.

Why a Mock Exam Matters

• Replicates exam pressure – You’ll know exactly how it feels to work under time constraints.
• Builds stamina – The AP Bio exam is over 3 hours long.
• Reveals weak spots – You’ll see which question types or topics slow you down.
• Tests your timing – You’ll learn how to pace yourself in both MCQs and FRQs.

Step 1 – Get an Official Practice Test

The best source for your mock exam is the College Board’s past AP Biology exams. You can find:

• Full released exams from previous years
• FRQs with scoring rubrics
• Sample student responses

Where to find them:

• College Board AP Biology Exam Practice Page
• Your AP teacher (they may have secure practice exams)

Avoid relying solely on unofficial tests — they often misrepresent timing or difficulty.

Step 2 – Set Up Like It’s the Real Exam

Simulating the environment is key.

• Find a quiet, distraction-free space
• Use only allowed materials:
  • Pens or pencils
  • A four-function calculator (not scientific or graphing)
  • Formula sheet (provided by College Board — print it)
• No phone or music during the test
• Follow official timing (see below)

Step 3 – Follow the Official Timing Schedule

The AP Biology exam has two main sections:

• Section I: Multiple Choice (MCQs)
  • 60 questions
  • 90 minutes
  • 50% of your score
• Section II: Free Response (FRQs)
  • 6 questions total (2 long, 4 short)
  • 90 minutes
  • 50% of your score

Timing Tip: Practice answering Section I without breaks, then take the official 10-minute break before starting Section II.

Step 4 – Score Your Mock Exam

• MCQs – Use the answer key and calculate your raw score.
• FRQs – Use the official scoring rubrics from College Board. Be strict — only give yourself points if you meet the exact rubric requirements.

You can then convert your raw score into an estimated AP score (1–5) using published score conversion charts from past exams.

Step 5 – Review, Don’t Just Take the Test

The real learning happens after the mock exam:

• Identify which units you missed most questions in.
• For FRQs, compare your answers to high-scoring sample responses.
• Rewrite your weaker FRQs with rubric points in mind.

Step 6 – Repeat Closer to Exam Day

Ideally, you should:

• Take your first full mock 6–8 weeks before the exam.
• Take a second mock 2–3 weeks before exam day.
• In the last week, do shorter section-focused drills instead of another full exam (to avoid burnout).

Common Mistakes in AP Biology Mock Exams

• Taking them casually – If you stop to check your phone, you’re not simulating test day.
• Skipping scoring – You need real feedback to improve.
• Not analyzing errors – Knowing why you got something wrong matters more than the score itself.

RevisionDojo’s Final Advice

A realistic mock exam can transform your AP Biology prep. It will sharpen your timing, boost your confidence, and give you a clear idea of where you stand weeks before the real thing. Treat it seriously, and the actual exam will feel like just another practice run.