34 ❯ STEP 3. Develop Strategies for Success
Multiple-Choice Questions
You have approximately 90 seconds per question on the multiple-choice section of this
exam. Remember that to ensure a great score on this exam, you need to correctly answer
approximately 42 multiple-choice questions or more. Here are a few rules of thumb:
1.Don’t out-think the test. It is indeed possible to be too smart for these tests.
Frequently during these standardized tests we have found ourselves overanalyzing every
single problem. If you encounter a question such as, “During what phase of meiosis does
crossover (also referred to as crossing over) occur?” and you happen to know the answer
immediately, this does not mean that the question is too easy. First, give yourself credit for
knowing a fact. They asked you something, you knew it, and wham, you fill in the bubble.
Do not overanalyze the question and assume that your answer is too obvious for that ques-
tion. Just because you get it doesn’t mean that it was too easy.
2.Don’t leave questions blank.The AP Biology exam used to take off one-fourth point
for each wrong answer. This is no longer the case. You should bubble in an answer for each
multiple-choice question.
3.Be on the lookout for trick wording!Always pay attention to words or phrases such as
“least,” “most,” “not,” “incorrectly,” and “does not belong.” Do not answer the wrong
question. There are few things as annoying as getting a question wrong on this test simply
because you didn’t read the question carefully enough, especially if you know the right
answer.- Use your time carefully.Some of these questions require a lot of careful reading
before you can answer them. If you find yourself struggling on a question, try not to
waste too much time on it. Circle it in the booklet and come back to it later if time per-
mits. Remember that to ensure a great score on this exam, you need to correctly answer
approximately 42 multiple-choice questions or more—this test should be an exercise in
window shopping.
It does not matter whichquestions you get correct. What is important is that you
answer enough questions correctly. Find the subjects that you know the best, answer those
questions, and save the others for review later on.
5.Be careful about changing answers!If you have answered a question already, come
back to it later on, and get the urge to change it... make sure that you have a real reason
to change it. Often an urge to change an answer is the work of exam “elves” in the room
who want to trick you into picking a wrong answer. Change your answer only if you can
justify your reasons for making the switch.
6.Check your calculations! The math required in the grid-in section isn’t overly com-
plicated. That said, it would be unfortunate to lose points because of a silly calculation
error. Make sure to work carefully and check your math. Happily, any equations you need
will be provided for you.
Free-Response Questions
The free-response section consists of eight broad questions. It is important that your
answers to these questions display solid reasoning and analytical skills. The two long essays
together carry approximately the same weight as the six short-response questions combined.
Expect to often use data or information from your laboratory exercises as you answer some
of the questions.STRATEGY