Cracking the
A.P.-U.S. History Exam
A Quick Review of
Tricks, Tips, and Strategies
for Passing With Less Anxiety
and More Confidence
Format of the Exam
Filling in the forms—10 to 15 minutes
Multiple-choice section—
55 questions in 55 minutes (40%)
Short Answer –
4 Questions in 50 minutes (20%)
Break—15 minutes
DBQ –
55 minutes (15 to plan, 45 to write) (25%)
Long Essay – One question (chosen from a pair)
35 minutes (5 to plan, 30 to write) (15%)
Time Management is
Critical!!!
US History Themes
Ideas, Beliefs, and
Culture
America in the
World
Environment and
Geography
Politics and Power
Identity
Peopling;
migration
Work, Exchange,
Technology
Belief Systems
America in the World
Geography
Politics
Identity
Peopling
Economics
Job One—To Pass
Relax and show what you know
Score roughly 60% correct on the
multiple-choice section
Read carefully and make good
choices in the free-response section
National Averages (2013)
5 47,098
10.6 %
4 95,413
21.5 %
3 95,660
21.6 %
2 119,665
27.0 %
1 85,054
19.2 %
Number of Students 442,890
3 or Higher - 53.8 %
LCC Average (2013) – 83%
Things You Should
Bring to the Exam
Two #2 pencils and a good eraser
Two dark blue or black ink pens
Wristwatch
Photo ID
Things You May NOT
Bring to the Exam
Cell Phones
Backpacks, bags, purses, etc.
Books, dictionaries, notebooks; etc.
Laptop computers
Cameras
Portable stereos or radios/iPod
Food
Clothes with subject related
information
In the Weeks Before the
Exam…
Take practice tests
Commit 30 to 45 minutes per night
to review
Surf the Internet for history sites
In the Final Week Before
the Exam…
Maintain your usual routine
Do a general history review/Focus
on “big picture” issues and trends
Know the exam directions in
advance
On Exam Day…
Bring everything you need
Dress comfortably—in layers (wool
blend, cotton, etc.) Natural Fibers!!!
Relax and have fun!
Beating Exam Anxiety
Take a reality check
If you are prepared, recognize that fact.
If not, don’t stress. Maximize the benefits
of what you do know.
Relax
Slow, deep breathing works.
Move around when it is allowed.
Eliminate surprises
Know where and when.
Know format and question types.
Know directions and exam length.
Cracking the
Multiple-Choice Section
Page 86 of Exam Description
Exam Breakdown by
Historical Period
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1491–1607 5%
1607–1754
1754–1800
1800–1848
1844–1877 45%
1865–1898
1890–1945
1945–1980 45%
1980–present 5%
No Military History
War questions will deal with
political or social implications
The Guessing Penalty &
Process of Elimination
No Guessing Penalty!
Summary
Pace yourself. Don’t spend too
much time on a single question.
Keep it steady.
Look for “big picture” answers.
Use process of elimination on all
but the easiest questions.
Use common sense and context
clues.
Short Answer Questions
Page 98 of Exam Description
Write in PEN!!!
12 minutes per prompt
Each prompt has 3 parts (a,b,c)
Identify each part as you write
Write clearly and neatly
Do not write outside of specified
area
Short Answer Questions
Section II - Essays
Write in PEN!!!
Read the question. Again! (3X)
Brainstorm
Plan in an outline
REMEMBER TO CIRCLE THE
ESSAY NUMBER AT THE TOP OF
EACH PAGE!!!!!
Section II - Essays
Things That Make
ANY Essay Better
Include a clear, identifiable thesis
statement. (Make sure it addresses
prompt)
Unless the prompt asks for TWO
points, make three good points.
Keep sentences simple.
Write clearly and neatly.
Define terms.
Tie each piece of evidence to your
thesis
Conclusion should connect to some
other historical period
Cracking the DBQ
READ THE QUESTION. Many do not.
Address the question FULLY.
Gather outside information BEFORE
reading the documents.
Read documents with attention to…
source of documents
inconsistencies within and among
documents
Know what you are going to say
BEFORE you start writing. Use an
outline.
Don’t necessarily make “the obvious
choice” when choosing your thesis.
There is no “correct” answer!
Cracking the Standard
Essays
Choose the questions about which you
know the most, not the ones that look
easiest.
Brainstorm, write your thesis, and then
outline.
Keep your thesis easily identifiable
and roadmap your response
(categories!)
Follow your outline and include
examples/proof.
Write clearly and neatly.
Tie your main points to your thesis.
Stay positive! 