Learn about the AP U.S. History Exam

What’s tested on the AP U.S. History Exam?

The AP U.S. History exam is a big one—its content measures your knowledge of U.S. history from pre-Columbian societies to the present. However, the AP exam asks you to take what you’ve learned in class one step further and apply that knowledge in complex and analytic situations to show evidence of college-level learning.

How is the AP U.S. History Exam scored?

The AP U.S. History exam, divided into two sections, is three hours and fifteen minutes long. Section I is 1 hour and 45 minutes long and consists of 55 multiple-choice questions and four short-answer questions. Section II is 1 hour and 30 minutes long and consists of one document-based question (DBQ) and one long essay question (LEQ).

AP U.S. History Study Plans

Studying for the AP U.S. History exam can seem daunting because of the sheer volume of material covered in a yearlong course. Whether you have taken the course over a semester or over two years, the exam measures your knowledge and skills in exactly the same way. You can use this guide to assist you in studying throughout the year or closer to your exam.

AP U.S. History Quiz

In order to track your progress in preparing for the AP U.S. History Exam, it’s important to take quizzes and practice tests from time to time. You can start with this five-question quiz that spans several of the time periods you’ll see on the AP U.S. History Exam.

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Document-Based Questions on the AP U.S. History Exam

The DBQ requires you to synthesize a “substantial number” of documents and in addition to bringing outside information to bear on the question. This is a difficult task, and you have only 15 minutes to plan before you begin writing.

AP U.S. History Period 1 Notes (1491-1607)

Check out our AP U.S. History Period 1 (1491-1607) key definitions and takeaways. You’ll find a printable version of the notes that you can save, take notes on, and use to supplement your learning in class.

AP U.S. History Long Essay Example

The long essay question on the AP U.S. History exam is designed to test your ability to apply knowledge of history in a complex, analytic manner. In other words, you are expected to treat history and historical questions as a historian would.

AP U.S. History Prep Resources

Kaplan has a variety of prep resources available for the AP U.S. History Exam. Check out your test prep options for APUSH and many other AP exams.

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Learn about the AP U.S. History Exam

What’s tested on the AP U.S. History Exam?

How is the AP U.S. History Exam scored?

AP U.S. History Study Plans

AP U.S. History Quiz

Document-Based Questions on the AP U.S. History Exam

AP U.S. History Period 1 Notes (1491-1607)

AP U.S. History Long Essay Example

AP U.S. History Prep Resources

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What’s on the AP U.S. History Exam?

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