Study Tips for AP US History?

Anyone have tips for AP US History class?

• I didn't do too well on my World History AP exam. I would like to not repeat that. Does anyone have tips on what I should study for AP US History? I have some documents, and a map of territorial expansion, and some key terms. Anything else that could be useful for the class without going overboard? Thanks.

• Answer:

  I don't know if you had to write DBQs for World History, but in AP History it's a big component of the class and the test. I know it sounds really boring and maybe even "going overboard" as you put it, but you should really practice writing these. My teacher had us write at least 1 a month and was a REALLY harsh grader, but as a result I was really prepared for the actual AP test. I also think it's important to get the right study materials. I agree with a previous post in that the AMSCO textbook is the best - it has no stories, just the summary of facts with key terms. It's much better than the American Pageant and easier to study from. I got these file folders from SparkNotes that had main events from each year, starting with exploration/colonization and ending with, I believe, Bush's presidency. It helped a lot, especially the week before the test. Many of my friends got flashcards called "US history in a box" or something like that and said it helped too. A GREAT website to utilize is www.historyteacher.net. You can try writing DBQs, take multiple choice and matching tests after every unit you learn in school, and even look at a lot of the power points with notes. There's a lot of glitz and animations that can turn you off to the website, but the information it holds makes it a valuable resource. It may sound all a bit much, but AP US History was my hardest class and test (I also took AP English and Music Theory). Good luck!