ap us history exam 2023

ap us history exam 2023

Key Topics and Strategies for Success on the AP US History Exam 2023

1. Introduction to the AP US History Exam

The second part is the document-based question (DBQ) and is made up of multiple parts. It is based on a series of documents about a historical topic, and you are required to answer a question or questions about this topic which may need to be related to the documents. For some exam-takers, the DBQ is a quite challenging task because it tests your skills: your ability to read documents critically and to develop an informed interpretation of historical events based on them; your understanding or interpretation of relationships and conclusions based on the situation presented and on the time period of the stimulus. The issue or issues addressed in the documents also not only need to be addressed, written, and exams—that address includes cartographic study, artistic impressions, and analysis of written, numerical, or pictorial materials.

The AP United States History Exam is a comprehensive and challenging examination that pulls no punches. To do well, you have to be alert, prepared, and utilize the study time between now and exam time wisely. These guidelines can help you put in the time, focus, and creativity necessary to score well on your test in May. The exam has three parts, timed at 50, 55, and 60 minutes. The first part consists of 60 separate questions testing your knowledge and thinking skills in various content areas and formats.

1. Introduction to the AP United States History Exam

2. Key Historical Periods and Themes to Focus On

– European Contact with the New World (c. 1491–1607) – Colonial America (c. 1607–1754) – The American Revolution (c. 1754–1800) – The New Republic (c. 1783–1800) – Jacksonian America (c. 1824–1840) – Civil War and Reconstruction (c. 1850–1877) – Industrial America (c. 1865–1900) – The United States Moves onto the World Stage (1865–1910)

As you prepare for the AP US History exam, keep in mind the key historical periods you should focus on. Below are the eight key periods outlined by the College Board. You should know the significant events and themes from each period. Another important theme is the African American experience, which is woven throughout the entire study of US history. The other theme that must be studied in equal weight with the other US history themes is America in the world. Since the age of exploration in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, to the rise of the US as a world power in the 20th century, this theme is very important.

3. Effective Study Strategies and Resources

Many textbooks – even those from years ago – offer review materials and practice tests complete with answer keys, and some also have written explanations about why each potential response is either correct or incorrect. Some authors of textbooks have stepped up to the AP version of their text, and some editions of their books also have a wealth of supplementary materials teachers, the College Board, or other users have posted on the internet. When you turn to websites that offer resources to support American History instruction, narrow your search to Google, Bing, etc. by putting the word “AP” or “APUSH” right before or after the specific work’s title, author, and/or publisher. Before purchasing OmniPrep’s AP U.S. History Preparation or purchasing permission to use it online, review its contents by scrolling down the page that is shown in Google or by going to the “View Free Sample Guide” tab. When deciding on whether to subscribe to the information on any particular YouTube channel, view about a half a dozen of its videos, starting with the most recent. Make certain the YouTube channel is presenting information from the time frame that will be tested on the exam. Since the benefits of watching history overview videos grow the more time there is between the present and their previous date of creation, cast a particularly jaundiced eye on this work.

Some students find the best way to study for an AP exam is to take practice tests and work with flashcards. Others use concept maps and study guides, either ones they created themselves or from other sites. Review videos and podcasts, which provide fairly brief explanations about every topic on the exam, produced by teachers, exam study aid companies, or regular folk (even AP instructors and the College Board itself), can be a valuable resource. Many free resources are available. The College Board has practice tests with answer keys. The U.S. history practice quizzes at Varsity Tutors currently have about 300 questions. Quizlet has more than 90 flashcard sets for AP U.S. History. Simplebooklet has a free “Cram” for AP U.S. History. The internet, and electronic devices, can be a great help to your review, but they can also be major distractions. If social media and the like are undermining your study effort, and you find it difficult to guide yourself away, consider apps such as Freedom and Cold Turkey, which allow you to create schedules that block access to selected websites during periods that you specify your computer, tablets, or smartphones until the timer has run.

4. Practice Exam Tips and Techniques

Tip 2: Focus on threshold concepts You will have two sets of free response questions. The first set will focus on SPICE concepts: social, political, interactions between human physical and environment concepts. This focuses on short-term thinkers. Threshold concepts here are going to be nontraditional economies, themes which make their way over from Africa, Islam spreading, Aztec and Inca development, labor systems, and crop transfers. The second set will focus on all course concerns with a few commonalities in themes such as race and ethnicity, with questions that more deeply focus on various cultures. Frequent and large empires not isolated themselves, and more categories will be included. The threshold topic here is the European foundation and the first global age.

Tip 1: Follow the directions The exam is made up of multiple choice questions and free response essays. Read all the directions carefully and make sure you answer all parts of the essay questions. Follow the guidelines per the rubrics in the student handbook for each essay to ensure maximum points. For the multiple-choice questions, go through the test to answer valid questions first, leave difficult questions blank, and return to them if you have extra time. Also, use the process of elimination to come up with the best answer.

5. Conclusion and Final Preparation

Good luck as you prepare for the exam! No study program can guarantee “success” on the exam, but if you read and think actively, discuss U.S. history with fellow students, pursue your interests in depth, use the supporting review materials and the advice of your teacher, trust your judgment, and get a good night’s sleep before the exam, you will feel proud of your accomplishments and benefit from your hard work. Enjoy the challenge and reward of mastering the content of U.S. history.

Taking an AP exam is a challenge, but through your high school study of U.S. history, social studies courses, community service and work experiences, and your reading and preparation for the exam, you will benefit from both the learning experience and the certification opportunity. Keep reminding yourself that by studying U.S. history, you are stepping through the threshold of your national experience, and by passing the AP Test, you are announcing to prospective colleges that you are an unafraid, disciplined, and competent student. If your previous U.S. history studies have been boring or limited, I believe that you will find your independent study for the AP exam to be stimulating and educational. On the big day, you will feel proud of your accomplishments, and during the long summer void, you will be rewarded by the personal, commemorative insights that derive from your fine AP score. It promises to be a worthwhile challenge.