AP US History Study Guide
Overview
The AP US History Study Guide provided by the Gilder Lehrman Institute offers a comprehensive preparation tool for students taking the AP US History exam. It includes resources like primary sources, essays, and videos organized by historical periods, as well as practice questions and test-taking strategies.
Exam Details
- Time Periods Covered: 1491 to present
- Scoring: 1 to 5 scale, 3 or higher often earns college credit
- Test Sections:
- 55 Source-Based Multiple-Choice Questions (55 minutes)
- 3 Short-Answer Questions (40 minutes)
- 1 Document-Based Essay Question (60 minutes including a 15-minute reading period)
- 1 Long Essay Question (40 minutes)
Navigation and Resources
- Practice Multiple-Choice Questions: Available for exam preparation
- Test-Taking Skills and Strategies: Offers insights and tips to improve performance
Historical Periods and Weighting
- Period 1 (1491-1607): Contact among Europeans, American Indians, and Africans created new world (4-6% Exam Weighting)
- Period 2 (1607-1754): European and Indian conflicts and colonial societies emerged (6-8% Exam Weighting)
- Period 3 (1754-1800): British attempts to control colonies led to American independence (10-17% Exam Weighting)
- Period 4 (1800-1848): Struggles to define democracy amid economic changes (10-17% Exam Weighting)
- Period 5 (1848-1877): Expansion and regional tensions led to civil war (10-17% Exam Weighting)
- Period 6 (1865-1898): Industrialization and urbanization (10-17% Exam Weighting)
- Period 7 (1890-1945): Domestic/global challenges, government activism (10-17% Exam Weighting)
- Period 8 (1945-1980): Post-WWII prosperity and international responsibilities (10-17% Exam Weighting)
- Period 9 (1980-Present): Ideological debates, globalization, technological changes (4-6% Exam Weighting)
Additional Preparation Resources
- AP US History: A course in History U for free online learning for grades 9-12
- Foundations of American Government: Discusses the history and workings of American government
- AP United States History: Complex Understanding: Focuses on nuanced argumentation and evidence use for the free-response section
Contact Information
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- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (646) 366-9666
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This study guide aims to equip students with the necessary tools and insights to succeed in the AP US History exam by leveraging historical resources and structured exam practices.