The best way to prepare for the AP Exam is to pay attention in class and complete the readings and assignments. You cannot review what you do not know. United States History is a story filled with interpretation, analysis, and bias. It is not just memorizing stuff (remember the "What is History?" and "Why study History?" lessons. If not click the link above). The resources below, however, are an excellent (and dare I say fun?) way to review prior to unit Festivals of Knowledge and the AP Exam.
The most important study skill is focus (well, maybe the most important study skill is studying). Challenge yourself to see what you remember and then after you struggle to remember something look it up and have an "aha" moment. Don't just watch videos or look over stuff thinking it will somehow sink in and you will be able to drag it to the surface during the exam. If you do you will be pretending to study. Don't just put in the time. Engage your mind to actively learn. Focus.
Guidebook (chapter study guides)
Cornell Guides (for American Pageant)
Class Slides and Lectures Start studying by reviewing the material as you originally learned it. This is not a complete list but a good place to begin.
Important College Board Review Resources (overview course, HTS, SAQ, LEQ, DBQ). You most know United States History to do well on the AP Test but you must also know how to do the specific tasks required by the exam. The AP Exam is not just assessing what you know but also your historical analysis skills.
Additional Resources:
AMSCO AP US History Study the key terms and themes at the end of each section and then go back and review that which you did not know.
Big Ideas US History 107 slide review. Perhaps best for the last day or two.
Adam Norris videos 10 minute summaries of each Period 1-9 with guided note sheets. Maybe best for the week or so before the AP Test.
Presidential Listing It can be hard to keep the timeline in order. This is a list of key ideas and events within each presidential term.
Quizlet (Barron's study guide) 1-250, 251-500
Getafive (Princeton Review)
Jocz Productions Like Crash Course but slowed down so you can think a bit.
Crash Course You know what it is, just make sure you have your seatbelt on...it moves fast. This is best viewed within the context of the unit of study. As a review prior to the AP test it moves so fast that you might run the risk of disengaging and just hoping it sinks in somehow. They are very well done and an excellent resource. Just don't lose focus as it speeds along.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Click on a time period to explore through video, timelines and documents.
On the lighter side...
Mr. Betts Class (fun kinda educational parody videos)