The summer before an AP course is the perfect time to prepare. While you don’t need to master the entire syllabus, a little AP summer prep can make the school year easier and improve your odds of scoring a 5 on the exam.
This guide covers:
- Why AP summer prep matters
- How to preview course content
- Skills to build before the year starts
- How to balance rest and preparation
Why AP Summer Prep Matters
- Reduces the learning curve at the start of the year
- Gives you time to build essential skills without homework stress
- Makes heavy AP workloads more manageable during the school year
Preview the Course Content
- Read the official course description from the College Board
- Skim a textbook or online notes for upcoming units
- Identify topics you already know and ones that are completely new
Build Core Academic Skills
- For History & English: Practice thesis writing, evidence integration, and timed essays
- For Math & Science: Review prerequisite math skills and key formulas
- For Languages: Brush up on grammar and vocabulary basics
Use Light, Consistent Study Sessions
- 1–2 hours per week is enough to keep skills sharp
- Combine reading, practice problems, and short writing assignments
- Take notes you can reuse during the year
Balance Preparation with Rest
- Avoid burnout — summer is also for relaxing and recharging
- Schedule study days so they don’t interfere with vacations or jobs
- Use prep as a confidence boost, not a full-year workload
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Study Tips
- AP Multiple Choice Strategies
- AP FRQ Writing Guide
- AP Score Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I take a full AP prep course in the summer?
A1: Only if you’re aiming for a very competitive score or taking multiple APs for the first time.
Q2: What’s the most important thing to do for AP summer prep?
A2: Review the basics of the subject and get comfortable with the exam format.
Q3: Can AP summer prep replace in-year studying?
A3: No — it’s meant to give you a head start, not replace schoolwork.
Q4: How soon before school should I start AP summer prep?
A4: Starting in July or early August gives you enough time without overwhelming your break.
Call to Action
🎯 Want to start your AP year with confidence?
Use RevisionDojo’s AP summer prep tips and study resources to walk into class already ahead of the curve.
