That time of the year has come again: some students are rigorously studying their flashcards in the hallways, and others are scribbling the mock exam dates in their planners. The AP season can be an extremely stressful time, especially for juniors, who don’t know what to expect.

Last year, I was that worried junior myself, panicking about the exams, and seeking any words of comfort that could help me relax during this stressful time. What I realized after taking the exams, however, is that there is absolutely nothing to be worried about.

Here are some tips that might help you do well on the APs.

1. Pay attention during class.

I realize that this isn’t the most exciting point to start with, but it is crucial if you want to score highly on the AP exams, because it will help you feel prepared. With the exams coming up, and with teachers cramming in last minute tests and assignments, it is very common to stay up late. I suggest that you avoid this as much as possible, because I guarantee that you will be extremely tired the next morning, and won’t be able to focus during class. You may think, “Why do I have to focus in class, when I just can cram everything the night before using Khan Academy?” To put it simply, it is more efficient and effective to listen during class. When the teacher talks, he/she covers all the points that are crucial to your understanding of the subject. Once you have heard and interpreted new information in class, it is much easier for your brain to piece together all the facts and to retain the information. And you want to retain as much information as possible for as long as you can.

2. Make sure you actually understand the material.

And if you don’t, don’t hesitate to come up to the teacher and ask. The teachers want you to do well and are very supportive of you. If you have any questions about a homework sheet, a lab, or a section in a textbook, don’t simply rely on your friends or the Internet — go talk to your teacher. After all, you will be the one taking the exam, and you won’t get to consult your friend or Google then. When you think you’ve mastered the material, check by explaining something to a friend, or giving a lecture to an imaginary class. If you can explain everything without any assistance, you should be good to go.

3. Work hard throughout the next few months.

Not that you haven’t until now, but the last few months before AP exams are exceptionally crucial. You are tired, and in the back of your mind you know that the school year is coming to an end. It is easy to fall off track. Don’t. That will not help you do well on the exams. If you are worried that you might get side tracked by social networking sites, turn your iPhones off while you study, or set a checklist for yourself to make sure you get your work done. If you’re the type that needs to be forced to get off your phone, you can use applications such as Self-Control, and Concentrate that stop you from going on social media and help you track your progress. The harder you work throughout March and April, the better you will feel about sitting your exams in early May.

4. Final touches

Once you have finished reviewing, I suggest you go to the College Board website to look through past exams. I found the free response sections to be really helpful in preparation for my history, economics, and calculus exams. If you are looking for more sample multiple choice questions to work through, I suggest using learnerator. After you have gone through these websites, you should feel prepared.

5. “Don’t worry, be happy”.

If you’re ever overwhelmed by your work, if you ever feel tired of looking at your notes, shut your computer, close your notebooks, and take a break. It might feel like a waste of time, but watching a movie, taking a walk, or talking to your friends in between your studies can actually help you focus better.

 And finally,

6. Relax

Relax, relax, relax. That’s the best thing you can do for yourself before the exam. If you relax by watching movies, then watch a movie before you go to sleep the night before the exam. In the morning, eat a plentiful breakfast, grab a bar of chocolate to nibble on during the break, bring a water bottle with your favorite drink, and confidently walk out your door. Once you get to school, don’t open your textbook to review for the last time, and definitely don’t get into an argument with your friend about the main causes of the Civil War. Just listen to some music, take a deep breath and tell yourself that you can do it.

You really can.

Yes, the College Board makes the AP sound like the most-difficult-and-the-most-important exam you will take in your life, but you shouldn’t be afraid of it, because your teachers have prepared you well. Enjoy your time during the test, show the College Board all that you know, and you will be just fine!