Preparing for the AP United States History (APUSH) exam requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as a strategic approach to test-taking. The APUSH exam is designed to assess a student's knowledge of U.S. history from the pre-Columbian era to the present day, with a focus on historical themes, concepts, and skills. In this article, we will provide an overview of the exam format, content, and question types, as well as offer tips and strategies for effective test preparation.
APUSH Exam Format and Content

The APUSH exam is a three-hour and 15-minute test that consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. The multiple-choice section accounts for 40% of the total score, while the free-response section accounts for 60%. The exam is divided into nine historical periods, each with its own set of themes, concepts, and skills. The periods are: (1) Pre-Columbian Era to 1491, (2) 1491-1607, (3) 1607-1754, (4) 1754-1800, (5) 1800-1848, (6) 1848-1877, (7) 1877-1900, (8) 1900-1945, and (9) 1945-Present.
APUSH Exam Question Types
The APUSH exam features a variety of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essay questions. Multiple-choice questions are designed to assess a student’s knowledge of historical facts, concepts, and themes. Short-answer questions require students to provide brief answers to historical questions, while essay questions require students to develop and support a historical argument. The exam also includes a document-based question (DBQ), which requires students to analyze and interpret historical documents.
| APUSH Exam Section | Time | Number of Questions | Percentage of Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice | 55 minutes | 55 questions | 40% |
| Free-Response | 1 hour and 45 minutes | 4 questions | 60% |
| Document-Based Question (DBQ) | 1 hour | 1 question | 25% of Free-Response |

APUSH Test Preparation Strategies

To prepare for the APUSH exam, students should develop a study plan that includes a review of historical content, practice with sample questions, and strategies for effective test-taking. Here are some tips and strategies for effective test preparation:
- Develop a study plan: Create a study schedule that allows for a thorough review of historical content, as well as practice with sample questions.
- Review historical content: Focus on developing a deep understanding of historical themes, concepts, and skills, rather than simply memorizing dates and events.
- Practice with sample questions: Use sample questions to practice test-taking strategies and to identify areas where additional review is needed.
- Develop effective test-taking strategies: Learn how to manage time effectively, how to read and analyze questions, and how to develop and support historical arguments.
Key Points
- The APUSH exam is designed to assess a student's knowledge of U.S. history from the pre-Columbian era to the present day.
- The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions.
- Effective test preparation requires a deep understanding of historical themes, concepts, and skills, as well as practice with sample questions and strategies for effective test-taking.
- Students should develop a study plan that includes a review of historical content, practice with sample questions, and strategies for effective test-taking.
- Sample questions and practice exams can be used to identify areas where additional review is needed and to develop effective test-taking strategies.
APUSH Historical Periods and Themes
The APUSH exam is divided into nine historical periods, each with its own set of themes, concepts, and skills. The periods are: (1) Pre-Columbian Era to 1491, (2) 1491-1607, (3) 1607-1754, (4) 1754-1800, (5) 1800-1848, (6) 1848-1877, (7) 1877-1900, (8) 1900-1945, and (9) 1945-Present. Each period has its own set of themes, including American and National Identity, Politics and Power, Work, Exchange, and Technology, Culture and Society, and the Environment.
For example, the period from 1607 to 1754 is characterized by the theme of American and National Identity, as well as the concept of colonialism and the skills of historical context and perspective. Students should focus on developing a deep understanding of these themes, concepts, and skills, as well as practice with sample questions and strategies for effective test-taking.
APUSH Practice Exams and Sample Questions
Practice exams and sample questions are essential tools for effective test preparation. The College Board offers a range of practice exams and sample questions, including the APUSH Practice Exam and the APUSH Sample Questions. These resources can be used to identify areas where additional review is needed, as well as to develop effective test-taking strategies.
For example, the APUSH Practice Exam includes a range of sample questions, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essay questions. Students can use these questions to practice test-taking strategies, such as managing time effectively, reading and analyzing questions, and developing and supporting historical arguments.
What is the format of the APUSH exam?
+The APUSH exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. The multiple-choice section accounts for 40% of the total score, while the free-response section accounts for 60%.
How can I prepare for the APUSH exam?
+To prepare for the APUSH exam, students should develop a study plan that includes a review of historical content, practice with sample questions, and strategies for effective test-taking.
What are the historical periods and themes covered on the APUSH exam?
+The APUSH exam is divided into nine historical periods, each with its own set of themes, concepts, and skills. The periods are: (1) Pre-Columbian Era to 1491, (2) 1491-1607, (3) 1607-1754, (4) 1754-1800, (5) 1800-1848, (6) 1848-1877, (7) 1877-1900, (8) 1900-1945, and (9) 1945-Present.
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