AP US History exam format

Hey there! I'm taking the AP US History exam soon and I'd like to know more about its format. Can anyone give me a breakdown of the exam sections and what to expect on test day? Thanks!

Sure! The AP United States History exam is divided into two main sections, with each section further divided into parts. Let's break down the sections and their components.

Section 1: Multiple Choice and Short Answer

- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

- Weight: 40% of your total exam score

Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

- 55 MCQs to solve within 55 minutes

- Questions will cover various themes and historical periods, and some questions may use primary or secondary sources as reference materials

- Some questions will be organized into sets known as stimulus-based questions, where multiple questions will be related to a common source or theme

Part B: Short Answer Questions (SAQs)

- 3 SAQs to complete within 40 minutes

- Each question will have multiple parts which you need to address individually

- SAQs will cover diverse historical periods and themes, and may have different formats, such as a text-based question, an image-based question, or a question with a primary or secondary source

Section 2: Document-Based Question (DBQ) and Long Essay Question (LEQ)

- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

- Weight: 60% of your total exam score

Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ)

- 1 DBQ to write within 60 minutes (including a 15-minute reading period)

- The DBQ will require you to analyze 7 documents related to a specific historical event, trend, or theme, and use these documents as evidence in your essay

- Focus will be on your ability to develop a strong thesis, analyze evidence from the documents, integrate them into your argument, and contextualize the topic within broader historical patterns

Part B: Long Essay Question (LEQ)

- 1 LEQ to write in 40 minutes, choosing from 3 questions

- LEQs will cover different historical periods, and you'll have the option to select the question that best aligns with your knowledge and interests

- Emphasis on making a strong argument, providing relevant evidence, and placing your chosen topic within a broader historical context

Remember that practice is key to success on the AP US History exam. Familiarizing yourself with the types of questions and refining your analyzing, writing, and time management skills will go a long way in helping you perform well on test day. Good luck!