How Difficult Is AP Human Geography?

I'm thinking of taking AP Human Geography next year, but I'm not sure what I'm getting myself into. Can anyone tell me about your experience? How hard is it in comparison to other AP classes?

AP Human Geography does carry its challenges, but like any course, the difficulty can vary depending on your interest in the subject, your study habits, and the teacher's approach. Generally, students find it to be one of the more approachable AP courses, especially if it's their first experience with an AP class.

The course covers a wide variety of topics such as population and migration patterns, cultural dynamics, urban development, and agricultural and rural land use. If you're interested in how societies and populations function and evolve, then this could be a really engaging class for you.

One aspect students frequently comment on is the heavy emphasis on vocabulary and concepts. The course requires memorizing quite a bit of terminology, which can be time-consuming. In contrast, other AP courses may concentrate more on analysis or problem-solving skills. Therefore, if you have strong memorization skills and can handle a fair amount of reading and note-taking, it might not feel as difficult for you.

Students often describe AP Human Geography as less rigorous than AP classes like AP Calculus or AP Physics, which contain heavy mathematical content. However, really put in the effort to grasp the concepts, review regularly, and ask questions when you're unclear on anything.

As in any AP class, it's also worthwhile to consider the AP exam at the end. Many students say the AP Human Geography exam is less daunting than other AP exams, acknowledging that subjective experiences vary. Practicing with previous AP exam questions throughout the year can help you gain familiarity with the test format and become comfortable with the types of questions asked.

In the end, the difficulty of any course—AP included—depends largely on your interest in the subject, your strengths as a student, and your willingness to put in the time and effort required. If you're keen on geography and ready to do the work, then AP Human Geography could be an excellent addition to your schedule. It's an engaging class that offers valuable insights into many aspects of human societies and urban planning.