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What is the best way to prepare for AP tests?
what is the best way to study for test in ap world history, and prepare for the ap test?
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7 answers
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Kyla’s Answer
Hi Laya! I agree with Fred that a test prep guide (online or in print) is one of the best ways to prepare for AP exams. They will help you assess your current knowledge and some will even pinpoint areas that need improvement so you can focus your studying on the topics that you are still struggling with rather than reviewing what you already know. Also, testing yourself by teaching it to someone else may help! I used to make my parents and siblings listen to me "lecture" them over topics I found difficult and it helped solidify and clarify the information.
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Maeve’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
"This answer was written on behalf of an intern group at Cloudera."
1. If you are given any of the AP test prep books, definitely use this as a resource. Make sure to use the book throughout the school year, not just right before the test, so you don't feel too overwhelmed trying to start studying right before the test.
2. The college board has all previous tests on their website. You should be able to see every question and answer from all past years. You should check out these tests to get a good idea of what type of questions you will be asked.
3. Barrons has great practice tests and overviews of every topic (you can find this on Amazon).
4. Test tip: AP tests let you bring food and water. You should bring this with you so you can feel comfortable during your breaks and take some time to relax.
5. Study with friends who are taking the class too! Your friends will be able to help you out with subjects or topics that you don't understand fully.
1. If you are given any of the AP test prep books, definitely use this as a resource. Make sure to use the book throughout the school year, not just right before the test, so you don't feel too overwhelmed trying to start studying right before the test.
2. The college board has all previous tests on their website. You should be able to see every question and answer from all past years. You should check out these tests to get a good idea of what type of questions you will be asked.
3. Barrons has great practice tests and overviews of every topic (you can find this on Amazon).
4. Test tip: AP tests let you bring food and water. You should bring this with you so you can feel comfortable during your breaks and take some time to relax.
5. Study with friends who are taking the class too! Your friends will be able to help you out with subjects or topics that you don't understand fully.
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Back in my day, you could go to a bookstore and buy a test prep guide. They would have sample questions, sample tests, and tons of information on test taking strategies. Of course, taking the AP class in school and committing to all the work would also help. There may be some online equivalent now. There are also private tutors (professional and amateur) who you can hire. Your school/guidance counselor may also have further advice.
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
With the internet, I think it's much easier to find practice tests and guides to approach your AP test. I'd highly recommend setting up a study guide and determining what seems important and what isn't. As some of the others have stated, there are private tutors available if you need help structuring your study habits. Good luck!
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Try to take as many practice tests and questions as possible. If you cannot obtain a test prep guide (e.g. Barron's or Princeton Review are popular brands of test prep guides) from amazon.com or a local bookstore, the local library very likely has copies as well. They may be harder to borrow the guides in the spring when the exams are usually held. Your teachers should also have practice tests and questions. \
College Board also includes prior tests and questions on their website (https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-world-history/exam/past-exam-questions).
Try to simulate the test environment as much as possible to help practice focusing for the entire test duration length (no phone, no distractions).
Any other best practices you have from studying for exams in school would help here as well. For example, try flash cards, practice writing essays, etc.
Good luck!
College Board also includes prior tests and questions on their website (https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-world-history/exam/past-exam-questions).
Try to simulate the test environment as much as possible to help practice focusing for the entire test duration length (no phone, no distractions).
Any other best practices you have from studying for exams in school would help here as well. For example, try flash cards, practice writing essays, etc.
Good luck!
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, I have read the other answers to your question. Excellent advice. And it could very easily be enough.
But I have another concern. Just how interested are you in history. And world history? A very broad subject. What courses have you taken that relate to the subject. Or, for that matter, touch on it in one way or another. Most subjects do. Music, art, architecture, the sciences, literature, and so forth. So it may be that you have picked bits and pieces here and there.
But where are your gaps. As in parts of the world. Or particular centuries. Or both and more.
How much reading do you do? And I don't mean for classes. Fiction can touch to history. And have you read much nonfiction? People who are well read tend to do better on exams of this sort than those who don't.
Likewise, people who are interested in the subject matter of an exam tend to do better.
And only you can answer the above for yourself.
Then comes the question of how well you handle exams. How much confidence do you have?
So this can become all very complicated.
In the end, I'd follow the advice of the others. The old AP tests. Study guides. Take a hard look at them. World history is one thing. What do the AP tests stress? What do they ignore?
All the best.
But I have another concern. Just how interested are you in history. And world history? A very broad subject. What courses have you taken that relate to the subject. Or, for that matter, touch on it in one way or another. Most subjects do. Music, art, architecture, the sciences, literature, and so forth. So it may be that you have picked bits and pieces here and there.
But where are your gaps. As in parts of the world. Or particular centuries. Or both and more.
How much reading do you do? And I don't mean for classes. Fiction can touch to history. And have you read much nonfiction? People who are well read tend to do better on exams of this sort than those who don't.
Likewise, people who are interested in the subject matter of an exam tend to do better.
And only you can answer the above for yourself.
Then comes the question of how well you handle exams. How much confidence do you have?
So this can become all very complicated.
In the end, I'd follow the advice of the others. The old AP tests. Study guides. Take a hard look at them. World history is one thing. What do the AP tests stress? What do they ignore?
All the best.
Updated
Lexi’s Answer
The most important thing is to start early in studying. At least a month early to review. Getting a Princeton Review and a Barrons book would be very helpful too since there are tons of practice exams.
I know people that self studied to AP tests and fully relied on the books. I had a few teachers that didn't know how to teach and still managed a decent score by myself using the Princeton Book.
I also think Quizlet is a great source, especially if you are taking an AP that is memorization heavy ie: Psychology.
I know people that self studied to AP tests and fully relied on the books. I had a few teachers that didn't know how to teach and still managed a decent score by myself using the Princeton Book.
I also think Quizlet is a great source, especially if you are taking an AP that is memorization heavy ie: Psychology.