AP tests are coming up, and whether you’re scrambling to plan a study routine or have been prepping since September, there is plenty to be learned from the smarties in your fave shows and books. Here’s how to study like our favorite smart queens, from Rory Gilmore to Hermione Granger.

Rory Gilmore: Romanticize The Experience

Rory has taught us a lot about studying. For instance, when you find the right study tree, you do whatever you can to keep it (IYKYK). One of the biggest things to take away from Rory’s study routine is how she romanticizes the experience. She doesn’t just study; she curates her life around it. Use that mindset to make studying feel more desirable by revamping your study space with candles and playlists, switching up your environment (coffee shops always hit) and reading beyond the textbooks out of pure curiosity. Soon, your brain will be tricked into actually *enjoying* the process of studying…and you’ll be acing those tests without even trying.

Hermione Granger: Use Active Recall

It’s a well-known fact that the best way to memorize info for a test is to use active recall (AKA forcing the brain to retrieve information rather than just passively taking it in through notes or reading). Hermione takes this strategy to the next level, and that’s the secret to how she masters all her exams. She’s constantly regurgitating info to everyone around her (whether or not they want to hear it), teaching the content to her friends based on what she learned and using her master memory to her advantage. Take Hermione’s bossiness as the superpower it is to lock the info into your brain. If you don’t feel solid enough to teach whole units to your pals, you haven’t done it the Granger way.

Devi Vishwakumar: Study With A Purpose

Not all academic weapons are perfectly polished…and our beloved hothead Devi is a perfect example. She’s chaotic, impulsive and messy. But she’s also incredibly determined, and when she sets her eyes on something, she won’t stop till she’s accomplished it. Her incredible self-determination is what got her into her dream school, Princeton, and it was that goal that motivated her to always work her hardest. When you study, remind yourself of the bigger picture. Keep pics of your dream school by your test, work to match the practice test scores of study role models, and reward yourself when you meet your goals. Just, ya know, don’t break a beaker if your friend beats you.

Annabeth Chase: Think Strategically

Annabeth is the master of logic, and while that comes in handy for defeating monsters in battle, it’s also the perfect plan to master your AP tests. Rather than trying to memorize everything, think like Annabeth by recognizing patterns, practicing application and breaking big topics into systems and connections. Basically, think like a test maker to work around the system and get the best score you can. Annabeth doesn’t just know everything; she outsmarts the system.

Elle Woods: Be Confident

Elle will forever be our favorite unexpected brainiac/fashion icon. Her style is iconic…and it’s actually a little-known strategy to ace your tests. Elle did everything she could to embody the lawyer she wanted to be, and when others tried to dim her shine, she only worked harder. Embody that confidence as you prep for AP test season. Little tricks that might *seem* useless (like dressing in an academic way or stocking up on new study supplies) will give you boosts of serotonin and confidence. Don’t be afraid to define your own study style, and always be as extra as possible. That’s how Elle accidentally became a star lawyer, after all.

Check out our Insta @girlslifemag for more inspo from your fave characters!

More study tips coming right up…
📖 We Just Built Your Perfect After-School Routine
📖 Our Official A+ Study Soundtrack (That Actually Works)
📖 Study Tips To Help You Have A Rory Gilmore Semester

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