The Ultimate List of AP® Chemistry Tips | Albert.io (2024)

Navigating the AP® Chemistry exam is tough. That’s why we wrote this comprehensive list of AP® Chemistry tips.

In this post, we’ll go over critical questions you may have about the exam, how to study for the AP® Chemistry exam, and what review notes and practice resources to use as you begin preparing for your exam. Everything you need, from study techniques to tips from successful AP® Chemistry teachers.

Are you ready? Let’s get started.

How to Study for AP® Chemistry 11 Tips: Tips for 4s and 5s

1. Understand difficulty and commit.

It can help to look at past AP® score distributions to gauge the level of difficulty of the exam. In May 2019, the College Board reported only 55.6% of all exam takers received a passing score of 3 or above and only 11.8% of test-takers scored a 5. This can seem intimidating as you’re starting your AP® Chemistry journey, but it’s important to realize that you get out what you put in.

If you make a commitment to study your hardest, and create a AP® Chemistry study guide while studying the right concepts, you should be on track to earn a great score!

2. Invest in quality study materials.

Owning an AP® Chemistry review book is absolutely essential.

AP® review books are often written by AP® teachers and other AP® professionals. They know the exam format in and out and include the most critical information, written concisely and organized into important topics you need to know for the exam. Most also come with diagnostic exams and AP® Chemistry practice exams. If you’re looking for the best AP® Chemistry review books for this year, check this post out.

3. Stay on top of changes.

We are living through unprecedented times and last year’s test was changed significantly. At this time, the College Board is assuring teachers that they will not be shortening the exam for 2021 and it will cover the full intended content of the course.

Be careful to make sure you’re following updated advice and not the advice from the 2020 test. Check the College Board’s AP® Chemistry Exam Page for the most up to date information.

4. Learn to draw connections between concepts.

Most chemistry tests you’ve taken up to this point have probably been mostly based on recalling facts and calculations that you’ve had to memorize. The exam focuses on connections between concepts and the analysis of data.

That being said, spend less time trying to memorize facts and more time on inquiry-based learning and reasoning skills. Be sure you know how to apply the formulas, make calculations apply concepts to certain situations, learn how to use calculations, and most importantly, learn how to make connections between everything you’re learning in your chemistry class.

5. Familiarize yourself with detailed units covered.

The College Board uses all 9 units from the course to guide the creation of AP® exams and to show students what is important to understand, expand on, and analyze. Each unit will be represented throughout your AP® course as well as on the exam. A quick reminder of these units and its weight on the multiple-choice component of the exam are here:

• Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties (7-9%). You’ll learn about the composition of atoms and ways scientists measure and categorize these molecular building blocks.
• Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties (7-9%). You’ll discover the range of chemical bonds and how their structure can affect the properties of the molecules created.
• Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces and Properties (18-22%). You’ll explore how atoms come together to create solids, liquids, and gases, and how subatomic forces govern the properties of everything around you.
• Unit 4: Chemical Reactions (7-9%). You’ll learn how to differentiate physical and chemical processes, and how to measure and express chemical reactions via chemical equations.
• Unit 5: Kinetics (7-9%). You’ll explore various methods to observe the changes that occur during a chemical reaction and the effects of a series of reactions.
• Unit 6: Thermodynamics (7-9%). You’ll learn about energy changes in chemical reactions and how a transfer of energy can change a substance’s physical qualities.
• Unit 7: Equilibrium (7-9%). You’ll chart how chemical reactions change over time, what causes substances to reach equilibrium, and how systems react when that equilibrium is disturbed.
• Unit 8: Acids and Bases (11-15%). You’ll learn more about pH, the qualities and properties of acids and bases, and how they interact in chemical reactions.
• Unit 9: Applications of Thermodynamics (7-9%). You’ll be introduced to the concept of “thermodynamic favorability” for reactions, meaning how likely they are to occur given energy changes and environmental factors.

6. You have support during the test.

On the AP® Chem exam, it’s recommended to use a scientific calculator during the free-response question section, but not during the Multiple-Choice Section. Due to the nature of this year’s exams, the calculator policy has not been updated quite yet. Check the AP® Calculator Policy site for the most up to date information. Additionally, you will be given a periodic table of elements and a formula sheet as seen in the Appendices Section of the AP® Chemistry Course and Exam Description. These documents are kind of like AP® Chemistry cheat sheets because you get to use them on the exam! Be sure to review this information so you are aware of other formulas you may possibly need to study that are not included.

7. Watch Bozeman Science videos.

If you are a visual or auditory learner, and you just need a break from reading page after page of a chemistry textbook, give the Bozeman Science or Jon Bergmann videos a try. The creator of the videos takes the need to know concepts from the exam and explains them in a concise, and friendly way. Slideshows and concept maps for each of the videos help explain things even further.

The fabulous thing about watching videos is that you have the ability to rewind if you missed something or need it explained again, pause if you need to digest something before moving on, and even fast-forward if you already have an understanding of a certain topic. This is a great resource to use when you need extra support with a specific topic or a change of pace during your study times.

8. Try the chemistry problem of the day.

Ideally, dedicate a portion of your day, every single day, to studying for AP® Chemistry.

Use the Problem of the Day to help you form this habit. These problems are available from September 3 – May 3. You can even sign up to have the daily problems sent to your email inbox every day, that way, you won’t forget. These questions are great for AP® Chemistry review.

9. Find your AP® Chemistry village.

You are not alone! There are students across the country that are in the exact same boat as you are. Find those students and befriend them. Expand your study supports to include social media and virtual groups.

Fiveable offers live study sessions called AP® Chem CramPass. Connecting with @ChemistryWorld on Twitter, following the APsolute RecAP on Instagram or following AP® Chemistry boards on Pinterest, are just a few ways you can find something, or someone, chemistry-related on your social feeds.

10. Use scientific language appropriately.

Do not make the mistake of using improper terms to describe important concepts. For example, do not refer to an atom as a “molecule” or to an intermolecular force as a “bond.” Make sure you know how to use proper chemistry symbols and notation. This includes the correct use of superscripts and subscripts, parentheses versus brackets, mol versus m, etc.

One great way to study is through flashcards. One of the most helpful self-study techniques is making flashcards, and they are not just for vocabulary terms. The act of writing out detailed and informative flashcards is helpful because using your own words, drawing diagrams, and using mnemonic devices that only you know, cements the ideas in your mind.

11. Utilize resources in your own school.

Your teacher has designed the class to teach each and every concept thoroughly appropriately. Make use of what is offered. Do the reading the first night and take notes. Ask questions the next time you are in class. Do the homework when it is assigned, and take advantage of the answered problems in your textbook.

If there is a concept that you are struggling with, go to office hours if available, or ask for extra help. Form a study group with classmates. AP® classes are hard, it is ok to seek help. Keeping up is easier than catching up, so try to stay on top of things the best you can.

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AP® Chemistry Multiple-Choice Review: 9 Tips

1. Know the types of multiple-choice questions.

On the AP® Chem exam, you will have 90 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. These consist of either discrete questions or question sets. Discrete questions are stand-alone questions with four answer choices. Question sets are multiple questions that refer to the same data set.

It’s important to know that the multiple choice section is not in any particular order like hardest to easiest. There are some examples at this link! College Board AP® Chemistry Course Description.

2. Electron Configuration/Hybridization shows up on every test, multiple times.

The question below is a hybridization question and it is also an example of a stand alone question. Before reading the explanation and answer below see if you can answer it and explain the answer to yourself.

This question aligns with Unit 1 and Skill 1.A and the correct answer is C.

If the answer to this question isn’t immediately obvious, an easy way to eliminate choices is to write the electron configurations for the other answer choices.

Oxygen should be crossed out almost immediately and subsequently neon as they exist in lower electron shells. Cl+ is tricky because the provided configuration is the configuration for Cl-.

This question gives you a good idea of the attention to detail you will need in order to succeed on the multiple choice exam.

3. Use standard multiple-choice test taking strategies.

Wondering how to guess on the AP® Chemistry exam? When in doubt, fall back on some standard multiple-choice test-taking strategies. For the AP® Chem exam:

• Use Process of elimination to make educated guesses
• Cross out obviously wrong answers
• Answer ALL questions (there is no penalty for wrong answers)
• Watch out for reverse questions that include the word “EXCEPT”
• Read the questions before looking at the given data

4. Pace yourself.

It’s incredibly important that you use your 90 minutes wisely on the multiple choice exam. As you move through your practice take note on which multiple choice questions you tend to take longest on or get stuck on. Highlight these and circle them! As you learn your strengths and weaknesses through studying you’ll know which questions to save for the end if there’s time and which questions you should answer first. Some Tips:

• All multiple choice questions are weighted the same! So it’s in your best interest to answer as many of the “easy” questions as you can before you get stuck on some of the harder, more time consuming questions.
• Try this, when you take your next practice exam, try timing how long it takes you to answer each multiple choice question and write the time in the margins. This will help you get to know which questions you answer the quickest and therefore should prioritize on test day!

5. Know how you will be assessed.

Science Practices 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are all assessed in the multiple-choice section with the following exam weighting (Science Practice 3 is not assessed in the multiple-choice section):

• Practice 1: Models and Representations 8–12%
• Practice 2: Question and Method 8–12%
• Practice 4: Model Analysis 23–30%
• Practice 5: Mathematical Routines 35–42%
• Practice 6: Argumentation 8–12%

With Model Analysis and Mathematical Routines making up more than half of the multiple-choice questions, you will want to focus your last minute studying efforts on these areas, over Practice 1, 2, or 6. Ensuring you are able to read the model accurately and draw the necessary conclusions is key. Being able to follow key formulas and complete mathematical calculations is where the main focus of your work should be, as this practice is weighted higher than all other sections.

6. Practice makes perfect!

Practice early and often. Form an AP® Chem study group that meets once a week to hold yourself accountable and create an AP® Chemistry review packet. Then when you guys are practicing and you get stuck you can ask your teacher for clarification. Use Pearson’s multiple choice questions sorted by chapter and Albert’s multiple choice questions sorted by topic! The more you practice decoding and solving problems the more success you will have on the AP® exam.

• During the school year, study with a study group aligned to what you are learning in class
• After spring break start reviewing the entire exam, taking AP® Chemistry practice tests and reviewing difficult concepts

7. Annotate your questions as you read them

Some questions on the multiple choice are lengthy and they are that way to discern your ability to sort through information. Don’t let the test trip you up! Annotate these longer questions as you go. Underlining information you think that’s important and circling any numbers that are given. See the example below.

This strategy is even more important for question sets like the one question 14 belongs in. Where multiple questions relate to the same information.

See how this question has underlines and circles? This will help you move quickly through wordy answers. In case you’re being proactive and already answered the question, the answer here is C and it’s from Unit 4 if you need to review.

8. Use your resources.

You can find sample questions from the College Board’s AP® Chemistry Course Description, a variety of online resources, and at Albert offers three full AP® Chemistry practice tests as well as multiple-choice practice questions and free response sample questions broken down by units and subunits.

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AP® Chemistry Free-Response Review: 11 Tips

1. Know the free-response questions format.

On the AP® Chemistry exam, you will have 105 minutes to answer 7 essay questions, broken down like this:

We will use this question 1 from the 2019 FRQ to highlight some common mistakes that students make. If you’re ready to be studying, it might help you to answer this question first on your own and then read the tips below to see if you made any of the mistakes the readers point out. Question 1 can be found here in its original format and the answer key is here.

2. Hone your algebra skills.

In the last three years, a common FRQ mistake was making simple algebraic errors.

Check your work from part (f) of the question above.

• Did you show work for every mathematical step that you took?
• Did you write down every equation that you used?

If not, you may not receive full points. Chief Readers suggest practicing showing your work for all steps, even the simplest operations. This suggestion showed up more than 3 times on the 2017, 2018 and 2019 FRQ reports.

This means you should make a habit of always showing your work and ensuring you practice your algebraic skills. You can easily exercise these skills with multiple choice questions on Albert and on the mathtoplis website.

3. Learn and use the correct terminology.

In the last three years of FRQs, another common suggestion from readers for students was to ensure that they learn and use the correct terminology.

For example, on the 2019 FRQ, students commonly wrote variables instead of experimental measurements. Another example of students not using specific language is on the 2018 exam when students commonly lost points for vaguely referring to bonds, instead of identifying them specifically as London Dispersion Bonds.

Looking at the example FRQ from 2019, this suggestion shows up in both parts (e) and (g).

In part (e), students lost points for mixing up the terms measure of heat with other common words like temperature or simply heat.

In part (g), students used only terms like disorder or chaos instead of the preferred terms of dispersion of matter/energy.

Try using a website like Quizlet to keep all your vocabulary words straight. Quizlet even has some premade flashcards that can help you keep vocab top of mind!

4. Review and get comfortable with hybridization/electron configuration.

Over the last three years, hybridization has come up on every exam, and almost always, Chief Readers suggest that students review this topic.

Hybridization can be unexpectedly tricky, and students often miss this easy point that usually occurs in the first part of a question.

In the 2019 example above, hybridization shows up in part (a) as students needed to know the definition of hybridization as opposed to electron configuration. Students also had to make sure they understood the methods used to determine which hybrid atomic orbitals are involved in bonding.

Khan Academy offers some excellent hybridization review and AP® Chemistry practice test problems. You can also find more AP® practice questions on Albert’s website.

5. Don’t round your answers until the end.

In part (c) of the 2019 example question, some common mistakes were severe or premature rounding in intermediate work. That means that students rounded their numbers too early and then lost points as their answers were not correct at the end after multiple calculations.

It’s incredibly important not to round until you’ve reached the very last step of any mathematical operations you are going to conduct. Premature rounding was also a common mistake on the 2017 and 2018 FRQs.

6. Significant figures and units are important.

To receive full credit on AP® Chemistry free-response questions responses, make sure to include units and correct significant figures in your final answer. If the question does not specify, write your answer to the same number of sig figs as the weakest piece of data. Practice with sig figs on Khan Academy or use this Albert blog article as a review.

7. Check if your numerical answers are logical.

Since you can use your calculator on the free-response questions portion of the exam, it can be easy to punch numbers into your calculator too quickly! You might make a typing mistake you don’t notice and come up with a completely wrong answer.

Try to combat this by making sure your final answer seems reasonable. For example, there are no negative equilibrium constants, Kelvin temperatures, or bond energies. If your answer is one of those concepts and it’s negative, you know something has gone wrong. Always double check your calculations, and make sure they make scientific sense.

8. Attempt every part of the problem.

Most free-response questions have multiple parts. If you can’t answer part (c) of a question, don’t fret; you could still get points for parts (a), (b), and (d) even if your numbers are off because of part c. Sound reasoning could still earn you partial credit.

The College Board has released student sample responses and scoring commentary. You can review past free-response questions and see how each answered was scored and why.

help you know whether to write a paragraph or a sentence. The verbs are below:

9. Practice the Task Verbs.

The AP® Chemistry exam commonly uses the same ten task verbs seen here in the Course and Exam Description. These task verbs are used evenly throughout all the exams and indicate precisely what AP® is asking of you. Try including the task verbs in a Quizlet flashcard set, so they stay top of mind! They will help you know whether to write a paragraph or a sentence. The verbs are below:

• Calculate: This means do the math and show all your work!
• Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a topic that is already known.
• Determine: Make a decision or conclusion based on observations or calculations. The decision or conclusion is not provided in the text or question.
• Estimate: Roughly calculate a number, value, or sign based on something provided. The answer is an educated approximate.
• Explain: This is where you will have to write the most. You are making connections here about a relationship, the why of something, and/or the “how” of something. Make sure you are providing reasoning and not just definitions.
• Identify/Indicate/Circle: These questions are generally a simple circle or underline question where you identify a part of something. Usually, there is no need for an explanation.
• Justify: This is the reasoning part of a CER; you use evidence to support a claim.
• Make a Claim: This is where you write a statement of what is. The claim is an assertion and usually a one to two sentence answer.
• Predict/Make a prediction: Similar to a claim, you will use the cause or effect of a change to make a statement of what will occur.
• Represent/Draw/Write an Equation/Complete a Diagram: Use things other than sentences to explain or show understanding of concepts and relationships. These questions are where your graph writing, bond drawing, and equation balancing are essential!

10. Review and get comfortable with Oxidation and Redox problems.

Oxidation and Redox problems showed up at least twice on each of the FRQs in the last three years. It’s super important that you feel comfortable manipulating oxidation numbers and oxidation/redox equations. This Albert review guide is a great crash course in balancing redox reactions.

11. Write down the values given to you and their units.

It can sometimes be challenging to figure out which formula to use for free-response questions that involve math. To combat this, write out all the values and their units from the problem. From there, you should have a clearer picture of

• what the question is asking you to do, and
• which formula you should use to arrive at the answer.

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15 Tips by AP® Chemistry Teachers

AP® Chemistry Multiple Choice Tips

1. Get very comfortable with the Periodic Table.

The Periodic Table is important for the AP® Chemistry exam because it provides so much information. Focus on groups 1-8A, know what they are, how to find the number of valence electrons and bonds that an element can form by its group number, and learn other periodic trends.

The Periodic Table is key to getting a full grasp of chemistry.

2. Know the different reaction types and how to find their products.

Practicing reactions is crucial, as they show up in both multiple choice and free response questions.

3. Drawing graphs can be helpful.

Even if the question doesn’t ask you to draw a graph, drawing a graph can help jog your memory and put your thought process on paper. It may make solutions more obvious when you can actually see them on paper.

4. Study solved examples in the textbook.

Do not gloss over solved problems in your textbook. Study them as a priority and do not stop studying the concept until you completely understand it without having to look at the solution. Use the problems you struggle with to make an AP® Chemistry study guide.

AP® Chemistry Free-Response Tips

1. Know your variables and units.

You need to know what variables and units to use for each free-response question so that you know which equation you should use. For example, take the ideal gas law. In order to solve for any of the variables, you will need to know that:

PV=nRT

P = pressure (atm)

V = volume (liters)

N = moles

R = gas constant = 0.08206 atm*L/K*mol

T = temperature (Kelvin)

If you use the wrong variable, such as Celsius instead of Kelvin, you would get the answer wrong. Create a AP® Chemistry cram sheet with all the variables and their units. Thanks to Ms. Jennifer L. for the tips!

2. Know how to manipulate formulas.

Sometimes, free-response questions are worded in ways that seem unfamiliar. You may think that you don’t know which formula to apply. That’s why you need to practice manipulating formulas and equations in different ways.

3. Read all of the free-response questions before you start to answer them.

Reading all the questions first helps you determine which questions you’re the most comfortable and confident answering. Solve the questions in a sequence that is easiest and most effective for you. Thanks to Dr. H. at Trinity Valley School for the tip!

4. Attempt every free-response question, regardless of whether you know the answer or not.

Did you know that you could get points for logical answers, even if they aren’t right? This means you have nothing to lose. Give every question a try. Thanks to Ms. Nikki W. for the tip!

5. It is not necessary to simplify all numerical expressions.

In most cases, answers like sin 40° or ln 2, or answers that contain symbols for irrational numbers will suffice. Thanks to Mrs. B. at Edwardsville High School for the tip!

AP® Chemistry Preparation Tips

1. Ace the basics.

Know the basic stuff forwards and backwards. Having a good chemistry foundation is essential to fully understand the harder stuff. Be able to recite ions and compounds in your sleep. Know about Nomenclature, Solubility Rules, Patterns of Chemical Reactivity, etc. Thanks to Mr. K. for the tip!

2. Memorize it NOW.

If you need to memorize something (mono and polyatomic ions, solubility rules) memorize it ASAP. Don’t put off memorizing concepts because it will just make it harder as you keep building upon the material you’re learning throughout the year. Beyond memorizing a concept, make sure you can also apply said concept in an actual application question.

3. “one” with your calculator.

Becoming really familiar and comfortable with your calculator is extremely important. Since you don’t have to erase your calculator’s memory before the exam, go over the AP® Chemistry Formula Sheet and program constants into your calculator; making calculations faster, more efficient, and minimizing misfires on the keyboard of your calculator. Learn how to scroll back through your last several actions to see where your mistakes lie. Thanks to Ms. Rene M. at the University of Texas at Arlington for the tips!

4. Learn by doing.

Working through sample problems over the span of a few months is the best way to learn chemistry! The more problems you do, the easier they become. Thanks to the Hazelwood School District for the tip!

5. Do full practice exams.

Your teacher probably has access to full AP® Chemistry practice tests. They are essential to understanding what the exam will really be like and how you should adjust your thinking. You also have access to these on Albert and the College Board website. This is one of our essential tips in our AP® Chemistry study guide.

6. Don’t read the textbook like you would a novel.

Chemistry textbooks may be boring and can sometimes feel like information overload. That’s why you should read in small sections, about 15-20 minutes at a time, making sure you read every chapter. Study the pictures and diagrams and keep a running list of important vocabulary words. Create an AP® Chemistry review packet! It makes concepts so much easier to understand. Take frequent study breaks to prevent burnout. Thanks to Mr. S. for the tips!

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Wrapping Things Up: The Ultimate List of AP® Chemistry Tips

We’ve covered a lot of ground when it comes to the AP® Chemistry exam tips. Here are a few key things to remember:

1. Know how AP® Chemistry exam FRQ points are rewarded.
2. Practice your Algebra skills they are used in both the multiple choice and FRQ part of the exam
3. Get to know the tools you can use on the exam! Know how to use a periodic table, your calculator and equation sheet!
4. Build the habit of identifying the sources of points in questions. Circle or underline these to figure out how valuable different parts of a question are.
5. Understand the question being asked — learn the task verbs the College Board often uses and what they are asking for.
6. Review commonly tested AP® Chemistry topics. Refer to the curriculum and exam description to see the percentage breakdown of different units.
7. Practice makes perfect! Take as many AP® Chemistry practice tests as you possibly can. Albert is a great resource for multiple choice questions and FRQs!

We hope you’ve found this extensive guide helpful for your AP® Chemistry exam review. If you’d like additional free response or multiple choice practice, check out Albert for hundreds of original standards-aligned practice questions.