Three months might sound like a long time, but for AP Biology, it’s just enough to thoroughly review all content, sharpen your multiple-choice skills, and master free-response techniques.
At RevisionDojo, we’ve helped students jump from a 3 to a 5 in just 12 weeks using this structured plan. This schedule balances content review, active recall, past exam practice, and test-day simulations so you walk into the exam with full confidence.
Why 3 Months is the Sweet Spot for AP Biology Prep
- Not too rushed – Enough time to cover all units without cramming.
- Not too early – Close enough to the exam to keep information fresh.
- Allows for repetition – You’ll revisit hard concepts multiple times.
Overview of the 12-Week AP Biology Study Plan
- Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Core content review + light practice questions
- Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Mix of content refresh + timed FRQ & MC practice
- Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Exam simulation, intensive practice, and targeted fixes
Phase 1 – Weeks 1–4: Build Your Knowledge Base
Goal: Cover all 8 units once, fill in knowledge gaps, and take light practice quizzes.
Week 1: Units 1 & 2
- Unit 1: Chemistry of life – Water properties, macromolecules, enzymes
- Unit 2: Cell structure and function – Membranes, organelles, transport
- Tasks:
- Read textbook or AP Biology review book
- Watch Bozeman Science videos for both units
- Do 15–20 MCQs after each topic
Week 2: Units 3 & 4
- Unit 3: Cellular energetics – Photosynthesis, respiration
- Unit 4: Cell communication & cell cycle – Signal transduction, mitosis, checkpoints
- Tasks:
- Annotate your notes with key definitions
- Make flashcards for processes
- Do 2 short FRQs
Week 3: Unit 5
- Unit 5: Heredity – Mendelian genetics, meiosis, probability
- Tasks:
- Draw diagrams of meiosis stages
- Solve past genetics FRQs
- Practice MCQs with Punnett squares
Week 4: Unit 6
- Unit 6: Gene expression and regulation – DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene control
- Tasks:
- Label diagrams of transcription/translation
- Watch AP Daily videos for Unit 6
- Complete 2 long FRQs
Phase 2 – Weeks 5–8: Combine Content with Exam Skills
Goal: Apply your knowledge under exam-like conditions.
Week 5: Unit 7
- Unit 7: Natural selection – Hardy-Weinberg, phylogenetics, adaptation
- Tasks:
- Practice FRQs on evolution graphs
- Calculate Hardy-Weinberg problems
- 25 timed MCQs
Week 6: Unit 8
- Unit 8: Ecology – Energy flow, population dynamics, ecosystem interactions
- Tasks:
- Graph population growth curves
- Solve FRQs about ecosystems
- Take 1 full FRQ section (90 minutes)
Week 7: Mixed Practice
- Alternate between all 8 units each day
- Complete 2 past FRQs daily
- Take a 60-minute MCQ practice test
Week 8: First Full Exam Simulation
- Use a past College Board AP Bio exam
- Time yourself strictly (MCQ + FRQ)
- Grade with official scoring guidelines
- Identify top 3 weakest topics
Phase 3 – Weeks 9–12: Peak Performance Mode
Goal: Replicate exam day conditions, fine-tune weaknesses, and boost speed.
Week 9: Target Weak Topics
- Spend 2–3 days per weak topic
- Redo related FRQs and MCQs
- Review correct and incorrect answers
Week 10: Timed FRQ Practice
- Do 1 full FRQ section every other day
- Grade and rewrite answers for clarity
Week 11: Second Full Exam Simulation
- Choose a different past exam
- Follow exact timing rules
- Aim for a scaled score of 4 or higher
Week 12: Final Review & Light Practice
- Focus on flashcards, diagrams, and formula sheet recall
- Sleep well and eat balanced meals
- Take one last FRQ set 3 days before the exam
Extra AP Biology Study Tips from RevisionDojo
- Space repetition: Use Anki or Quizlet for vocab
- Active recall: Test yourself instead of just rereading notes
- Mix question types: Switch between MCQs and FRQs daily
- Track scores: Aim for gradual improvement week to week
FAQs
Q: Can I do this in less than 3 months?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to double up on daily tasks.
Q: Should I focus more on FRQs or MCQs?
A: FRQs are worth 50% — practice them as much as MCQs.
Q: How many full exams should I take before the real one?
A: At least 2, ideally 3.
Final Thoughts
A 3-month AP Biology study plan works if you follow it consistently. The key is balancing content review, question practice, and timed simulations so nothing catches you off guard.
At RevisionDojo, we’ve bundled a 12-Week AP Bio Study Pack with past exams, topic-by-topic practice, and pacing guides so you can just follow the plan and watch your score climb.
