Last Updated on August 16, 2023 by Flavia Calina
When you study for the AP US History exam, it is important to use various resources. This article will cover the best AP US History study guides, practice tests, and tips. The AP US History exam assesses knowledge of 8 broad historical themes over nine periods starting in 1491. The exam is 3 hours long and includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and free-response questions.
Study Guide
AP US History is a course that requires a lot of memorization for multiple-choice questions and essay writing skills for the free-response section. Fortunately, plenty of resources are available to help you prepare for this exam. Many students find that studying for AP US History requires sacrifices in other areas of their lives. Lounging around, hanging out with friends, and playing sports are no longer options when studying for a big test. It is a difficult balance to strike, but it’s important to remember that your success on the AP US History exam will be directly related to how much time you spend reviewing the material. Some students choose to work their way through the content so that they learn it in class, beginning with the most recent material and moving backward as they progress. This approach is fine, and you should use the best method.
Practice Tests
Take some practice tests if you want to get a feel for the actual exam. These can be found in many high-quality AP US history study guide online. Unofficial practice tests can also be useful, though they’re less accurate than the officially-created ones. These resources include full-length, multiple-choice practice tests to short quizzes targeting specific course eras. It’s important to note that you should only use these practice questions to test your knowledge of the content. Be aware of the multiple-choice questions; they may seem easier than those on the actual AP US History test, but the content is still the same.
Once you’ve taken a practice test, list the areas where you scored the lowest (including missed multiple-choice questions and low scores on the short-answer and DBQ sections). Use this information to focus your studying efforts. If you’re missing a lot of points on DBQ questions, try to spend more time working on reading and understanding primary sources.
Resources
There are many great AP US History study guides, but it’s important to remember that these books are just one of your resources. You’ll also want to use practice questions, especially those the College Board provides. These official practice tests are the best way to get a feel for what you’ll be facing on exam day and can help you pinpoint your areas of weakness. You can also find practice test materials online, less comprehensive than the official College Board practice tests. Some websites provide a diagnostic test to act as your initial assessment, while others offer full practice tests covering all of the content covered by the AP U.S. History exam.
Another useful practice resource is a set of student-created flashcards. These are fantastic ways to help you commit facts to memory and can be used on your own or with friends when studying with a group. You can also find podcasts and other multimedia resources covering the course’s topics. An excellent resource for students is the free practice examinations provided online. Some podcast discusses each period, deconstructs the different question kinds, and provides advice and study techniques to help you prepare for the test.
Study Tips
The AP US History exam covers American history from 1491 to today. You’ll learn about Native American societies. How Europeans first discovered and colonized the Americas, and the events that led to the Revolution and the nation’s early years. You’ll also explore the social, economic, and political issues that contributed to the Civil War and the secession of Southern states. When studying for the AP US History exam. It’s important to remember the big concepts and details you’ve learned over the year. The key to a high score on the exam is being able to recall specific facts and dates. Taking a practice test with a timer can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in this area. You can then focus on areas where you need to improve.
Often, you’ll be asked to answer short-answer questions. These questions require a more focused, limited response and usually ask you to interpret a graph or chart, compare and contrast two cultures in a particular period, or list distinct precipitating factors for significant historical events. To prepare for these questions, you can memorize some general outlines or a quick checklist of key facts. You can also find practice questions on the AP US History website and in many official study guides. Regardless of the prep you choose, it’s important to begin prepping at least 6-8 weeks before the exam date. Read more exciting articles on Today World Info
