After a grueling nine months of hybrid learning, around 39% percent of all public high school students must mentally prepare themselves for what is yet to come: Advanced Placement exams. And for those not enrolled to take the test this year, you’re not in the clear just yet. You still have to hear the irksome complaining from your fellow AP enlisted peers.

For the test itself, whether or not the content is too difficult—that’s for you to decide. But it’s not even about that anymore. It’s universally known that if you’re in an AP class, you’re entitled to complain about the exam. Well not exactly entitled, but more “expected.” Every friend group has that one kid who loves to gloat about the amount of AP classes that they are taking. And if you are that friend, I strongly dislike you.

All of a sudden, May comes around and they act like they’re attending Yale studying some big wordy major and drowning in an endless sea of assignments. I’m sorry, but didn’t you know the exam was coming since the first day of the class? Weren’t you the one who put yourself in this position? I don’t know about you, but this seems like a problem that should be kept to yourself.

Now that my personal rant is over—I am here to guide you during these stressful times. Let’s say as you’re reading this, you realize you aren’t as prepared for your AP test as you should be. What should you do?

First thing’s first, calm down. Take a second to gather your thoughts and put things into a healthy perspective. At the end of the day this is just one test. The results will not dictate your future. This is just one small thing in a world of many big things.    

Next, make a schedule. As a high school student, things can get a little busy, often resulting in procrastination or unfinished work. Your best bet is to sit yourself down and create a simple yet effective schedule that is well suited for your personal life. Keep in mind that it needs to be realistic, you and I both know you’re not studying every day. So don’t even try it.

Use your resources; there are so many great sources outside of the school. Khan Academy and Quizlet are absolute lifesavers during a time like this and can help re-teach a specific lesson or just give some general review practice. As always, teachers are available during office hours to meet one-on-one and answer any questions you may have about the exam.

Lastly, accept your fate. This isn’t gonna be easy. After all the tests aren’t meant to be easy. So just give it your best and try not to stress yourself out. Now all there’s left to do now is buckle up and get to work.

So come on, let’s finish this wonky and unprecedented year on a good note.  As a fellow AP test taker, I wish you the best of luck. Unless you’re in AP Physics C. In that case, I’m extremely sorry.