AP Biology is so hard

Slowpoke · 03-06-2009, 02:52 AM

Here's my situation: I can well memorize vocabulary and biological processes. I read and take notes in class. I study these notes before tests but I never got anything over an 85 percent. When I take the test there are alot of questions I go : "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" on and it was never seen in the reading and notes. Am I doing something wrong here? Has anyone had simular experiences and beat the system? Can I get some down and dirty secrets?=[ Im desperate. Thanks in advanced.

UnleashedFury · 03-06-2009, 03:07 AM

it's probably got more to do with connecting concepts and sophisticated reasoning than with straightforward information. i don't know where your teacher gets test questions, but the campbell's tests are pretty hard - harder than the ap exam i think.

iambored10 · 03-06-2009, 01:29 PM

yeah im in ap bio and ive probably topped out on a 92 or 94 on a test (in class but take home tests i max 100 or 105 )

bicyclekick · 03-06-2009, 07:42 PM

UnleashedFury

I agree, Campbell's tests are so specific and convoluted, much harder than practice AP questions I take in CliffsAP.... if I study, i usually get somewhere in the 80s range on Campbell's tests, so I hope i'll be fine for the AP Test and bio in college

Slowpoke · 03-07-2009, 11:46 AM

I also have Campbells

I don't understand how to connect concepts. How do you best achieve that?

What is everyone's method of studying?

manatee · 03-07-2009, 03:14 PM

So what is this Campbell test? The questions at the end of the chapters?

bicyclekick · 03-07-2009, 04:02 PM

the questions come from a test bank that teachers you have (you can buy it online i think)

Slowpoke · 03-07-2009, 04:43 PM

Bicycle I also have the AP Bio Cliffbook so do you just straightforward read and memorize the Cliffbook chapters for the campbell test?

bicyclekick · 03-07-2009, 06:02 PM

no i study the campbell's testbook and notes for the campbell's tests...they're still hard though lol

I use cliffs mainly as review and for its practice questions, i've started going over past chapters in it to refresh stuff for the AP Test

driscol · 03-07-2009, 06:34 PM

Best way to connect concepts is just to make sure you understand the material you learn and to keep an open mind on everything.

1st semester I basically just did chapter notes WS's given by my teacher. They would be anywhere between 1-3 pages double-sided depending on the chapters. I would just flip through the book to get the answers. Then I just paid attention most of the time in class when we're learning new stuff. The night before tests, I would read the whole chapter. I basically got low-mid A's through this method.

This semester I've slacked off a lot and am behind a good 2-3 chapters, but I still get mid-high B's. I've stopped doing the notes and reading. When I think about it though, I think most people would fail with this method. I know some people who understand the material better after using the online resources (videos, activities, etc) so try that out. I have not done this much either semester, but it is beneficial to read the chapter/concepts in the book before your class actually goes over it.

ntrading · 03-07-2009, 08:12 PM

haha i was in ap bio last year and we also used the cambell book... ya dont know how 2 spell it.... but i saw my teachers tests were clearly from a bank since she is also so lazy... i bought the test bank off some random guy online never studied for a test and think i had a 98 average.. seriously best times ever

Slowpoke · 03-10-2009, 08:39 PM

ntrading could I possibly have a test bank please?

Forti · 03-11-2009, 11:58 PM

Try this method: Type up all the bolded definitions from the book and memorize them. Then, understand all the diagrams in the chapter.

This is a very popular method of studying biology from Campbell, as reading the book won't get you anywhere unless you read very well (They say that the human brain can only register seven things at once).

CrystalPineapple · 03-12-2009, 04:07 PM

Course-Notes.Org - Outlines, Notes, Vocabulary, Essays, DBQs, Practice Quizzes and much more! |. memorize the bolded definitions in the outline and learn to apply them. study the processes and write them out / make diagrams.

UnleashedFury · 03-13-2009, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Try this method: Type up all the bolded definitions from the book and memorize them. Then, understand all the diagrams in the chapter.

Wow, that is the best advice for studying biology I have ever heard.

Thank you