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About the Exam
About the Exam
Exam Overview
The AP U.S. History Exam will test your understanding of the historical concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze primary and secondary sources and identify patterns and connections that can support a historical interpretation.
Exam Duration
3hrs 15mins
Prepare for Your Exam
Prepare for Your Exam
Section 1: Multiple Choice
Section 1: Multiple Choice
55 Questions | 55 Minutes | 40% of Exam Score
The questions in the multiple-choice section come in sets of usually 3–4 questions based on the same stimulus. The questions will include one or more sources to respond to such as primary and secondary texts, images (for example, artwork, photos, posters, cartoons), charts, and maps.
You'll be asked to:
Analyze the provided sources
Analyze the historical developments and processes described in the sources
Section 1B: Short Answer
Section 1B: Short Answer
3 Questions | 40 Minutes | 20% of Exam Score
In the short-answer section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. Some questions include texts, images, graphs, or maps.
In the short-answer section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. Some questions include texts, images, graphs, or maps.
Question 1 is required, includes 1–2 secondary sources, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1754 and 1980.
Question 2 is required, includes 1 primary source, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1754 and 1980.
You can choose between Question 3 (which focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1491 and 1877) and Question 4 (which focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1865 and 2001) for the last question. No sources are included for either Question 3 or Question 4.
You'll be asked to:
Analyze the provided sources
Analyze historical developments and processes described in the sources
Put those historical developments and processes in context
Make connections between those historical developments and processes
Section II: Free Response
Section II: Free Response
2 Questions | 1 hr 40 Minutes | 40% of Exam Score
In the free-response section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. There are two questions: one document-based question and one long essay.
In the free-response section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. There are two questions: one document-based question and one long essay.
Document-Based Question
Recommended time: 60 Minutes (includes 15-minute reading period) | 25% of Exam Score
The 60-minute recommended time for this section includes a 15-minute reading period.
You’ll be presented with seven documents that give various perspectives on a historical development or process.
You’ll be asked to develop and support an argument based on these documents and other evidence from your own knowledge.
The topic of the document-based question will include historical developments or processes between the years 1754 and 1980.
Long Essay
1 Question | 40 Minutes | 15% of Exam Score
You’ll have a choice of three questions; you’ll pick one to answer.
Each tests the same skills and reasoning process (e.g., comparison, causation, or continuity and change) but the questions focus on historical developments and processes from different time periods (either the period from 1491 to 1800, from 1800 to 1898, or from 1890 to 2001).
You’ll be asked to develop and support an argument based on evidence.
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