AP Exam Success Strategies

Maximizing Success on AP Tests

  • Master Key Concepts

    • Essential for success in AP Euro, World, or US tests.

    • The College Board provides a comprehensive list of key concepts and historical themes.

    • Lessons and materials should be structured around these key concepts.

  • Understanding Multiple Choice Questions

    • Analyze the date and location of documents in questions.

    • Eliminating incorrect answers based on temporal and geographical context can narrow choices significantly (e.g., a 19th-century French document eliminates answers from other eras or regions).

    • Use this strategy to quickly reduce options and improve accuracy.

  • Approach to Multiple Choice Questions

    • In a timed setting (55 minutes), focus on easier questions first to maximize points.

    • Skip difficult questions initially to save time, circling them for later.

    • At the 5 to 10-minute warning, return to the circled questions for guesses since there are no penalties for incorrect answers.

    • Ensure no blanks on the answer sheet—fill in every question.

Strategies for Written Questions

  • Types of Written Questions

    • Short Answer Questions (SAQ): Answer 2 questions, worth a total of 9 points.

    • Long Essay Question (LEQ): Choose 1 of 3 questions with 40 minutes to respond.

    • Document-Based Question (DBQ): 60-minute response to analyze and incorporate 7 provided documents.

  • Time Management

    • Begin each section by recording the start time for pacing.

    • Focus on answering easier points first, then spend leftover time on more complex parts.

    • For SAQs, utilize up to 13 minutes each, aiming to gather as many points as possible.

  • Historical Skills

    • LEQs and DBQs require application of three historical analysis skills:

    • Causation: Examining causes and their effects/responses.

    • Comparison: Discussing similarities and differences between ideas or periods.

    • Continuity and Change Over Time: Discussing how themes have evolved.

    • Accurately address all parts of the prompt; include both aspects where required (e.g., causes/responses).

    • Stay on topic; focus responses on relevant historical evidence.

General Advice for AP Test Preparation

  • Long-Term Study Approach

    • Spread out studying over several months rather than cramming.

    • Follow the concept of the spacing effect to enhance memory retention.

  • Prioritize Sleep

    • Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep in the days leading up to the test for optimal brain function.

    • Sleep deprivation can significantly impair memory, problem-solving, and cognitive functions.

  • Preparation Resources

    • For additional help with content or writing techniques, explore additional materials or resources provided by the instructor (e.g., website links).

  • Final Tips

    • Approach the exam strategically, aiming for maximum points rather than completing every section. Evaluate and execute strategies to optimize performance on both multiple-choice and written parts.