THREE APPROACHES TO PREPARING FOR THE AP U.S. HISTORY EXAM

"It really helps to develop a plan for studying for the test; once you have a plan, stick with it." —AP Student

You are the only person who knows which schedule listed below is right for you. If you were to ask me, I would strong suggest using approach A, but I know that not everyone can or will. This manual is designed to help you, no matter which of the schedules you decide to adopt.

You’re a full-year prep student (Approach A) if

1. You have a definite love of U.S. history.

2. You are certain that history will be your major in college.

3. You are not a procrastinator; you like to get things done.

4. You like detailed planning and everything in its place.

5. You feel you must be thoroughly prepared.

6. You have been successful with this approach in this past.

You are a one-semester prep student (Approach B) if

1. You are pretty interested in U.S. history.

2. You usually plan ahead but sometime skip some of the little details.

3. You feel more comfortable when you know what to expect, but a surprise or two does not floor you.

4. You are always on time for appointments.

5. You have been successful with this approach in the past.

You are a 4- to 6-week prep student (Approach C) if

1. United States history is somewhat interesting to you.

2. You work best under pressure and close deadlines.

3. You think the work you have done in your U.S. history class has prepared you fairly well for the AP test.

4. You decided late in the year to take the exam.

5. You like surprises.

6. You have been successful with this approach in the past.

"Do all the reading on U.S. history you possibly aw. This will help you do better on the test." —AP Student