IN THIS CHAPTER
Summary: The right preparation plan for you depends on your study habits and the amount of time you have before the test.
Key Ideas
• Choose the plan that is right for you.
• Use this guide in combination with your AP class (if you are currently taking one) and your outside readings in European history.
• Following the plan will help you build expertise and confidence.
Three Approaches to Preparing for AP Exams
What kind of preparation program for the AP exam should you follow? The answer depends on two things: how much time you have and what kind of student you are. Obviously, if you only have one semester or four to six weeks before you intend to take the exam, you cannot choose the full-year program. So first decide how much time you have. Then consider what kind of preparation works best for you. No one knows your study habits and learning style better than you do. Consider the three profiles below to see which one most closely describes you and your situation. Then, choose one of the three programs of preparation.
Full-Year Preparation: Plan A
You are a full-year prep student (and should follow Plan A) if:
1. You are leaning strongly towards history as a college major.
2. You like detailed planning and preparation.
3. You feel more comfortable and confident when you feel thoroughly prepared.
4. You cannot wait to get started.
5. You have been successful with this approach in the past.
One-Semester Preparation: Plan B
You are a one-semester prep student (and should follow Plan B) if:
1. You are fairly interested in history.
2. You like to plan but feel there is such a thing as being over-prepared.
3. You feel comfortable and confident when you feel you have prepared sufficiently.
4. You have more than one exam you are preparing for and feel one semester is enough time.
5. You have been successful with this approach in the past.
Four to Six Week Preparation: Plan C
You are a four to six week prep student (and should follow Plan C) if:
1. You are only fairly interested in history, or you are interested only in the exam.
2. You feel like you get stale if you prepare too far in advance.
3. You feel well-prepared already and are just looking to sharpen your focus.
4. You are prepping for several exams and this is your lowest priority.
5. You have been successful with this approach in the past.
Table 2.1 Three Different Study Plans
MONTH |
PLAN A: FULL SCHOOL YEAR |
PLAN B: ONE SEMESTER |
PLAN C: 6 WEEKS |
September — October |
Introduction, Chapters 1—6 |
|
|
November |
Chapters 7—10 |
|
|
December |
Chapters 11-14 |
|
|
January |
Chapters 15-18 |
Introduction, Chapters 1-6 |
|
February—March |
Chapters 19-22, Unit Summaries |
Chapters 7-14 |
|
April |
Review Chapters 4-6, Practice Test 1 |
Chapters 15-22, Unit Summaries, Practice Test 1 |
Chapters 1-22, Practice Test 1 |
May |
Final Review, Practice Test 2 |
Final Review, Practice Test 2 |
Final Review, Practice Test 2 |
Detailed Calendar for Each Plan
Plan A: You Have a Full School Year to Prepare
September-October (check off the activities as you complete them)
— Read the Introduction and become familiar with the 5-step program.
— Read Chapter 1 and become familiar with the AP European History exam and procedures.
— Become familiar with the College Board AP website.
— Read Chapter 2 and choose the full-year, one- semester, or four to six week preparation program.
— Confer with your AP European History teacher about your preparation program.
— Take a leisurely, low-stress look at this guide and begin to use it as a resource.
— Read Chapters 3—6 and do the diagnostic exercises (and, if you feel ready, Practice Test 1) to determine your current strengths, areas that need work, and whether you need to develop some new strategies.
November
— Read Chapters 7—10 of this guide, along with relevant outside readings and course materials.
— Do the chapter review questions for each, checking the answers and explanations.
— Review the chapters where you had trouble with the review questions and focus your outside reading there.
December
— Read Chapters 11—14 of this guide, along with relevant outside readings and course materials.
— Do the chapter review questions for each, checking the answers and explanations.
— Review the chapters where you had trouble with the review questions and focus your outside reading there.
January
— Read Chapters 15—18 of this guide, along with relevant outside readings and course materials.
— Do the chapter review questions for each, checking the answers and explanations.
— Review the chapters where you had trouble with the review questions and focus your outside reading there.
February-March
— Read Chapters 19—22 of this guide, along with relevant outside readings and course materials.
— Do the chapter review questions for each, checking the answers and explanations.
— Review the chapters where you had trouble with the review questions and focus your outside reading there.
— Review the two unit summaries.
April
— Review Chapters 4—6 of this guide, then take Practice Test 1
— Evaluate your strength and weaknesses based on your performance on Practice Test 1.
— Study the appropriate chapters and readings to address the areas you still feel shaky on.
May—First Two Weeks
— Make a list of topics you still feel shaky about and ask your instructor or study group to help you focus on them.
— Take Practice Exam 2.
— Evaluate your performance.
— Review the incorrect answers.
— Get a good night’s sleep before the exam; you are well prepared.
— Go to the exam feeling confident; you have prepared well.
GOOD LUCK!
Plan B: You Have One Semester to Prepare
January (check off the activities as you complete them)
— Read the Introduction and become familiar with the 5-step program.
— Read Chapter 1 and become familiar with the AP European History exam and procedures.
— Become familiar with the College Board AP website.
— Read Chapter 2 and choose the full-year, one- semester, or four to six week preparation program.
— Confer with your AP European History teacher about your preparation program.
— Take a leisurely, low-stress look at this guide and begin to use it as a resource.
February-March
— Read Chapters 3—6 and do the diagnostic exercises (and, if you feel ready, Practice Test 1) to determine your current strengths, areas that need work, and whether you need to develop some new strategies.
— Read Chapters 7—14 of this guide, along with relevant outside readings and course materials.
— Do the chapter review questions for each, checking the answers and explanations.
— Review the chapters where you had trouble with the review questions and focus your outside reading there.
April
— Read Chapters 15—22 of this guide, along with relevant outside readings and course materials.
— Do the chapter review questions for each, checking the answers and explanations.
— Review the chapters where you had trouble with the review questions and focus your outside reading there.
— Review the two unit summaries.
— Review Chapters 4—6 of this guide, then take Practice Test 1.
— Evaluate your strength and weaknesses based on your performance on Practice Test 1.
— Study the appropriate chapters and readings to address the areas you still feel shaky on.
May—First Two Weeks
— Make a list of topics you still feel shaky about and ask your instructor or study group to help you focus on them.
— Take Practice Exam 2.
— Evaluate your performance.
— Review the incorrect answers.
— Get a good night’s sleep before the exam; you are well prepared.
— Go to the exam feeling confident; you have prepared well.
GOOD LUCK!
Plan C: You Have Six Weeks to Prepare
April (check off the activities as you complete them) — Read Chapters 1—22 of this guide. — Take Practice Test 1 — Evaluate your performance and review as needed. |
May—First Two Weeks — Take Practice Exam 2. — Evaluate your performance. — Review the incorrect answers. — Get a good night’s sleep before the exam. GOOD LUCK! |