AP Prep Without the Panic: How to Study for AP Tests While Balancing SAT/ACT & Everything Else

Teens face a lot of stress in the second half of high school: between APs, extracurriculars, standardized tests, and college applications, it’s difficult to find time for everything. Here at Applerouth, we’ve found that starting the study process early in the year alongside an AP tutor—especially if you’re figuring out how to study for AP tests—can help set your student up for success and avoid test burnout.

Students should begin reviewing for AP exams about two to three months before test day, starting with weekly study sessions that build gradually in intensity. Pairing AP prep with early SAT/ACT planning helps prevent burnout and improves focus across exams.

How to Balance AP Classes and the SAT/ACT

One of the biggest sources of stress among high school students is the overlap between AP tests and the SAT or ACT. Most students will take their college entry exam starting in junior year, and at the same time, many will be completing coursework for multiple AP classes. Since College Board offers very few AP classes for grades 10 and under, students may feel pressured to take as many APs as they can to fill up their limited elective slots. This represents a big challenge for them, since AP classes tend to assign more homework than regular ones. 

Although it’s difficult to find estimates for the average workload in an AP class, one study in 2013 estimated that high school teachers in general assigned an average of 3.5 hours of homework per class per week; a more recent study from 2018-2020 reported that students are doing an average of 2.7 hours of homework per night. Even conservative estimates put a total time at 15 hours of homework per week, without accounting for extracurriculars or college exam prep. 

Avoid “April Burnout”

Of students who took AP exams in 2024, 47% took at least 2 exams, and 23% took 3 or more. Almost 2 million seniors took the SAT in the same year, with 1.4 million taking the ACT. That’s a lot of tests! AP exams take place at the end of the school year, and students who opt to take a later SAT or ACT test date often struggle to manage the workload come spring. We call this “April burnout.” So how do we avoid it—and when should you start studying for AP exams to prevent it?

How Do You Avoid AP and SAT/ACT Burnout?

This kind of “April burnout” usually happens when AP studying, SAT/ACT prep, and final projects all overlap. The best way to avoid it is to start early and pace yourself—building consistent weekly habits rather than cramming in the spring. Create a study calendar that includes rest days, and if possible, begin light AP review several months before exam week. Early organization is the best stress prevention.

What Are Effective AP Study Strategies?

The most effective AP study strategies focus on active review and consistency. Have students practice with official College Board materials, complete timed FRQs and DBQs, and review their FRQs with a tutor to get targeted feedback. More than anything, time is your biggest AP success asset.

When Should I Start Studying for AP Exams?

You should start the clock on AP studying earlier than you think! If your child is already taking AP classes, consider starting AP exam prep now. The fall may seem early, but devoting even an hour a week to practicing AP test strategies with a tutor can help them avoid burnout in the spring. Ask yourself: where can that hour fit best in your student’s schedule? 

If your child is in sophomore year and considering which AP classes to take next year, familiarize yourself with the AP class offerings at your child’s school, and figure out together how much extra time they can set aside each night for homework. How much time is your child currently spending on their homework each night? Have them measure it out by timing themselves, and keep separate times for each class. Make sure to keep extracurriculars in mind, as well as travel time to those extracurriculars. You might also consider asking (or having your child ask) potential AP teachers how much homework they typically assign.

Applerouth is Here to Help

Our team of devoted, highly experienced tutors is prepared to help your child soar through their AP exams. We offer robust weekly study plans and a suite of AP practice tests, with options for remote grading on essays, DBQs, and FRQs. 

Schedule a call with one of our Program Directors today or give us a call at 866-789-PREP (7737). We’ll match you with an expert tutor who can build a personalized study plan, keep you on pace, and make sure you’re ready by exam day. Our most experienced tutors fill up quickly, so reach out now to reserve your place.

Extra Tools and Tips

• Do daily or weekly calendar check-ins. Checking in regularly with your child will help you both keep track of deadlines and how much time they spend on homework.
• Use timers and focus apps to manage work time and breaks, like Hank Green’s new, free-to-use app Focus Friend!
• Practice with official study materials, like College Board’s suite of AP practice tests and SAT practice tests. 
• For students who struggle with time management, consider booking a session with an executive functioning coach at Applerouth!