The AP Biology exam isn’t just about what you know — it’s about how efficiently you can show what you know in a strict time limit. Many students lose points not because they didn’t understand the content, but because they ran out of time.
In this RevisionDojo time management guide, you’ll learn:
- How to pace yourself in both exam sections
- When to move on from a question
- How to avoid spending too much time on “traps”
- Practice drills that build your test-day speed
Step 1 – Know the Timing Rules
Section I – Multiple Choice (MCQ):
- 60 questions in 90 minutes
- 1.5 minutes per question (on average)
- Worth 50% of your total score
Section II – Free Response (FRQ):
- 6 questions in 90 minutes
- 2 long FRQs (25 minutes each)
- 4 short FRQs (10 minutes each)
- Worth 50% of your total score
Step 2 – Pacing for Multiple-Choice (MCQ)
The Golden Rule: Don’t let any single question take more than 2 minutes.
MCQ Pacing Strategy:
- First Pass: Answer easy and medium questions right away.
- Mark & Skip: For tough or confusing questions, mark them and move on.
- Second Pass: Return to marked questions with leftover time.
- Last Pass: Make an educated guess on any unanswered question — there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
Time Checkpoints:
- After 30 minutes: You should have completed at least 20 questions.
- After 60 minutes: You should have completed at least 40 questions.
- Final 30 minutes: Finish remaining questions + review marked ones.
Step 3 – Pacing for Free-Response (FRQ)
FRQ Section Timing Breakdown:
- Long FRQs: 25 minutes each
- Plan: 3–5 minutes to outline, 20 minutes to write
- Short FRQs: 10 minutes each
- Plan: 1–2 minutes to plan, 8–9 minutes to write
Why Outlining Matters:
A quick outline prevents rambling, helps you hit required points, and reduces mid-answer time loss.
FRQ Time-Saving Tips:
- Use bullet points when allowed — they can still earn full points.
- Write key terms and concise explanations rather than filler sentences.
- Skip lengthy intros — start with your claim/answer immediately.
Step 4 – Avoid Time Traps
Common Time Traps in MCQs:
- Overanalyzing answer choices when the answer is obvious.
- Spending too long interpreting graphs — scan for trends, not perfection.
Common Time Traps in FRQs:
- Writing too much detail for 1–2 point questions.
- Getting stuck on unfamiliar experimental setups — instead, identify variables, controls, and trends quickly.
Step 5 – Practice Timing Before Test Day
Drill 1 – MCQ Speed Rounds:
- Do 20 MCQs in 25 minutes.
- Aim for 80% accuracy while staying under time.
Drill 2 – FRQ Mini-Timed Practice:
- Give yourself 7 minutes for a short FRQ and force yourself to finish.
- Focus on hitting point-earning terms.
Drill 3 – Full Section Simulation:
- Take a full 90-minute MCQ or FRQ section under real exam conditions.
Step 6 – Test Day Time Management Plan
MCQ Section:
- First 60 minutes: Work through questions steadily, marking tough ones.
- Last 30 minutes: Return to marked ones, then review answers.
FRQ Section:
- First 25 minutes: Long FRQ #1
- Next 25 minutes: Long FRQ #2
- Next 10 minutes: Short FRQ #1
- Next 10 minutes: Short FRQ #2
- Next 10 minutes: Short FRQ #3
- Next 10 minutes: Short FRQ #4
Always leave 1–2 minutes at the end to double-check critical answers.
FAQ – AP Biology Exam Timing
Q1: Should I spend more time on MCQs I’m unsure about?
No — flag them and return later if time allows.
Q2: What if I completely blank on an FRQ?
Write down anything relevant — partial credit is better than zero.
Q3: Is it bad to finish early?
Not at all — use extra time to check for careless mistakes.
Final Call-to-Action
Managing your time well can add 10–15 points to your AP Biology score. Get RevisionDojo’s Timed Practice Pack with simulated MCQ and FRQ tests, pacing templates, and a scoring guide so you walk into test day fully in control.
