So, you have decided to take AP U.S. History. Prepare to be continually challenged in this course; this is the only way you will attain the grade that you want on the AP exam in May. Prepare to read, to read a lot, and to read critically; almost all students successful in AP U.S. History say this is a necessity. Prepare to analyze countless primary source documents; being able to do this is critical for success on the exam as well. Most importantly, prepare to immerse yourself in the great story that is United States history. As your teacher will undoubtedly point out, it would be impossible to make up some of the people and events you will study in this class. What really happened is much more interesting!
This study guide will assist you along the journey of AP U.S. History. The chapter review guides give you a succinct overview of the major events of U.S. history. At the end of each chapter is a list of the major concepts, a time line, and sample multiple-choice questions for that chapter. In addition, a very extensive glossary is included in the back of this manual. All of the underlined words throughout the book can be found in the glossary (it would also be a good study technique to review the entire glossary before taking the actual AP exam).
The first two chapters of the manual describe the AP test itself and suggest some test-taking strategies. There are also two entire sample tests, with answers. These allow you to become totally familiar with the format and nature of the questions that will appear on the exam. On the actual testing day you want absolutely no surprises!
In the first chapter you will also find time lines for three approaches to preparing for the exam. It is obviously suggested that your preparation for the examination be a yearlong process; for those students unable to do that, two “alternative calendars” also appear. Many students also find that study groups are very beneficial in studying for the AP test. Students who have been successful on the AP test oftentimes form these groups very early in the school year.
Many students feel frustrated when their AP class doesn’t make it all the way to the present day. Don’t worry—The number of questions on the test that deal with events after the 1970s will be relatively small.
I hope this manual helps you in achieving the “perfect 5.” That score is sitting out there, waiting for you to reach for it.