What to Do With Students After AP® Testing is Over

A raccoon teacher in front of his class, wondering what to do with his students.
AP® exams are over, but your teaching isn’t. This article helps you discover post-AP exam activities and strategies to keep students engaged and make the most of the remaining school year.
A raccoon teacher in front of his class, wondering what to do with his students.

As the last AP® test booklet is turned in on exam day, many teachers let out a (well-deserved) sigh of relief. All of their hard work has paid off, so now they can sit back, relax, and just show a bunch of movies to their students on each of the remaining days of school. Right? Well… not exactly.

One of the many misconceptions some people (including hopeful students) have about school is that once testing is finished, so is the school year. They believe (or hope) that learning is over and that students can simply cruise through the rest of the semester doing nothing of importance. Teachers who have gone through the process of closing out a school year know better, and many have very particular approaches to student learning during the remaining days of school. These approaches reflect the many reasons for why it’s important to continue engaging in educational post-exam activities with students, and the following are some of the most common ways teachers spend this time of year doing just that. And so it begs the question… Which strategy do you use in your classroom after AP exams are over?

The Assignment Choice Board Strategy

The assignment choice board is a dynamic educational tool that provides students with the freedom to choose how they wish to further their understanding of various course-related subjects. By offering a variety of activities, each tailored to different aspects of the curriculum, students can select options that resonate with their personal interests and academic needs. This method not only promotes student agency but also keeps engagement high during a typically low-stress period of the school year. From creative writing workshops to hands-on science experiments, the possibilities are nearly endless, allowing every student to find something that excites them.
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What’s in the “assignment choice board” tool kit?

The Get a Head Start on the Next Course Strategy

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After AP exams, students might be looking toward the future—particularly, toward their next set of challenging AP courses. Providing resources and opportunities to get a head start on upcoming courses can be incredibly beneficial. This strategy not only helps maintain academic momentum but also eases the transition into more advanced topics. Teachers can organize study sessions, provide preview lessons of next year's material, and encourage exploration of the College Board’s AP course progressions. This can even become a joint effort with an AP instructor for the next subject within the AP course progression. These “next-year” teachers can make arrangements to visit the prerequisite class and discuss their next course, providing tips on what students can do over the summer to prepare.
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The Content Reinforcement Activities Strategy

To keep the post-AP testing period productive, some teachers choose to focus on content reinforcement activities that not only deepen understanding but also make learning fun. These activities are designed to help students solidify their knowledge through hands-on, project-based, and peer-to-peer learning experiences. By encouraging students to apply what they've learned in both real-world and simulated scenarios, these strategies help cement their learning in memorable and impactful ways.
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What’s in the “content reinforcement activities” tool kit?

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The College and Career-Readiness Skills Development Strategy

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As students transition from high school to future academic and career paths, developing college and career-readiness skills is paramount. This strategy includes a variety of workshops and activities focused on essential skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and digital literacy. With these types of activities, teachers can provide valuable life skills that prepare students for the world beyond the classroom. After all, collaborative and discussion-based tasks help students to become well-rounded individuals ready to take on their future.

What’s in the “college and career-readiness skills development” tool kit?

The Well-Deserved Break and Social Connection Strategy

The teacher who uses this strategy understands that after AP exams, it's important to balance academic activities with well-deserved breaks and social interactions. This strategy focuses on providing students with opportunities to relax and enjoy time with peers through creative and outdoor activities. This not only promotes mental well-being but also fosters a sense of community and teamwork among students. From art workshops to field trips, these activities provide a refreshing change of pace and a fun way to end the school year.
A beagle student sketches a picture while relaxing at his desk

What’s in the “well-deserved break and social connection” tool kit?

Key Takeaways

The last few days of the school year can be somewhat chaotic with all the grading and required end-of-the-year activities, but  teachers can ensure students remain engaged and motivated during this time after AP testing is finished. These activities not only cater to diverse student needs but also help celebrate their achievements and prepare them for future challenges. For more ideas and resources, explore how UWorld supports AP educators by creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences with our Courses for AP.

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