Students preparing for the APUSH exam must create a study schedule and gather resources. They should also take full-length practice tests and ensure they are timing them to the specifications of the AP exam.
Students should also prepare for the DBQ and FRQ sections of the test. Both of these questions require students to make connections between different historical periods and events.
Take Notes
The AP United States History exam covers a lot of material, and studying throughout the year is the best way to ensure a good score. Using various resources, such as the APUSH study guide and class notes or readings, will help you review the material in a way that will prepare you for the exam.
Another important aspect of studying for an AP exam is taking clear and organized notes. It would help if you tried to write down keywords, dates, and other information you can use for reference later on. You can also use a system like note-taking, which divides your paper into sections for notes, keywords/comments, and a summary.
Another great way to prepare for the exam is by making flashcards. Whether you build them or make them by hand, this is essential to memorizing vocabulary and key terms. Practice saying them aloud to yourself to recall the definitions quickly. This will help you when answering synthesis questions on the exam!
Create a Study Schedule
AP US History is a course that requires extensive reading and writing, so developing a study schedule early on can help you prepare for the exam. Create a weekly program that includes the times you’ll dedicate to studying, and keep that time free of distractions.
Creating a log of specific units you struggle with is also a good idea. For example, if you had a problem with the Revolutionary War, it’s important to note that in your record so you can spend more time reviewing that topic before the test.
If you’re looking for more resources, several free (or low-cost) AP US History study guides and practice tests are available online. There are also a variety of study apps that allow you to take short multiple-choice quizzes on the go, although their quality varies widely. You can also find several sample questions and rubrics for the Document-Based Question and Free Response Question on the AP Course and Exam Description page.
Gather Resources
Studying any material for a long time can become very monotonous. It would help if you found ways to make it more interesting to keep yourself motivated. One great way to do this is by making a game out of it. This can be done by creating a set of rules and goals that you will strive to achieve.
AP US History is a course heavy on lectures, so you won’t be able to rely on worksheets or handouts to get by in class. However, plenty of online resources can help you prepare for the exam. There are AP US History practice questions, study modules, and APUSH DBQ examples that you can use to sharpen your skills.
Another helpful resource is AP US History Study Guide. This provides a detailed plan for reviewing all the essential topics you must know before the exam. Using this guide will help you feel confident going into the exam. You can also practice annotating documents from past DBQs to hone your writing skills.
Take Practice Tests
The Advanced Placement, United States History exam, can be challenging, but it’s not impossible to pass with the proper preparation. It’s essential to create a study schedule and take practice tests to help you prepare for the test.
Practice tests can also help you learn how to manage your time during the actual exam. It’s best to start with the most straightforward questions and work your way up, skipping any you don’t know the answer to. This will allow you to spend more time on the more complex questions and give you a chance to score a higher score.
Several different resources are available online for students to take practice tests. One of the most valuable sources offers a library of primary source documents and includes explanations and comprehension questions—another good resource with multiple-choice and true/false questions matching the American Pageant textbook.
The AP US History exam is typically heavy on the lecture side, so taking great notes in class is crucial. Make sure you’re writing down everything your teacher says, and consider creating a concept outline to help you remember key ideas.
Use Your Time Wisely
Exams can be stressful, but don’t let that stop you from preparing for them. Remember, the AP US History exam tests your ability to understand and analyze historical content and documents. That means that you need to know a lot of information! Staying on top of your class reading and quizzing yourself often will help you feel ready for the exam.
Another essential part of acing the exam is making sure that you have a good understanding of the vocabulary and terminology. Flashcards are a great way to do this. You can use the official resources for practice or create your own on a site. Try to speak the words and definitions aloud to help you remember them better.
The website has mini-practice quizzes for each unit of study and will give you stats on how well you’ve mastered the material. It’s designed to accompany the American History textbook but will be helpful regardless of your school’s text.
