The APUSH exam covers nine units, organized chronologically from pre-Columbian societies to contemporary America:
1491–1607: Pre-Columbian America, European Exploration, and Colonization
1607–1754: Colonial Societies and Early Conflicts
1754–1800: Revolution and New Nation Building
1800–1848: Expansion and Reform
1844–1877: Civil War and Reconstruction
1865–1898: Industrialization and Urbanization
1890–1945: America’s Rise to Power and the World Wars
1945–1980: Cold War, Civil Rights, and Societal Changes
1980–Present: Contemporary America
Focus on understanding the main events, significant figures, policies, and societal impacts for each period, as well as how each era connects to overarching themes like democracy, migration, economic systems, and cultural movements.
The APUSH exam emphasizes these key historical thinking skills:
Analyzing Evidence: Interpreting primary and secondary sources critically.
Comparison: Evaluating similarities and differences between historical events or periods.
Causation: Identifying causes and effects of historical events and assessing their significance.
Continuity and Change: Recognizing patterns over time and how they have shaped the present.
Practice analyzing primary source documents since they’re a key part of the APUSH exam.
Identify the author's purpose, historical context, audience, and point of view.
Familiarize yourself with landmark documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and key Supreme Court rulings.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Develop a strong understanding of each unit and practice interpreting historical texts, images, and data.
Short-Answer Questions (SAQs): Write concise responses with specific evidence. Use the ACE method: Answer the question, Cite specific evidence, and Explain how it supports your answer.
Document-Based Question (DBQ): Develop a thesis based on provided documents and incorporate outside knowledge. Practice grouping documents thematically and using them to support your argument.
Long Essay Question (LEQ): Write an in-depth analysis on a major theme, focusing on argument structure, evidence, and synthesis.
Use official APUSH practice tests and sample questions from the College Board. Review the scoring guidelines to understand what constitutes a high-scoring response.
Analyze previous years’ exams to identify common question types and topics.
Textbooks and Review Books: “American Pageant” is a popular textbook, and Barron’s or Princeton Review APUSH guides offer summaries and practice exams.
Online Resources: Khan Academy offers free APUSH course videos that align with the AP curriculum. Additionally, resources like Quizlet, Adam Norris’s APUSH review videos, and APUSH Reddit communities provide summaries, flashcards, and study tips.
Begin reviewing several weeks before the exam, breaking down study sessions by each unit and gradually building up to practice exams.
Take regular timed quizzes and practice essays to simulate test conditions, focusing on time management and question comprehension.
Strong writing is essential for the DBQ and LEQ sections. Practice crafting clear, concise thesis statements and structuring essays with relevant evidence.
Review the APUSH scoring rubric to understand how your essays will be graded, particularly the importance of historical context, analysis, and synthesis.