A.P. U.S. History F.A.Q (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is AP? How is it different from an “Honors” or “CP” class?
AP stands for Advanced Placement. It is a program developed by the College Board to offer college level rigor in high school. Honors or College Prepatory (CP) courses, on the other hand, are designed to be more challenging versions of high school classes. AP courses are very demanding, and students can expect them to be among the most challenging courses available.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking an AP course?
AP courses give students several advantages: an edge in college admissions, an opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school (which can save time and money in college), an extra GPA grade point, exposure to more rigorous study, and a thorough introduction to the subject. The drawbacks to an AP course include more stress, less sleep, possibly lower grades, and potentially greater difficulty balancing other commitments. Since each situation and person is different, students should carefully weigh their motivation, available time and abilities before deciding whether to take AP courses.
Are AP courses compatible with athletics, extra-curricular activities or work?
There is no universal answer. Some students are able to manage multiple AP courses and extra-curricular activities, while others struggle under the weight of a single AP class. Students and parents need to carefully consider what is realistic and in the best interest of a particular student.
Can I drop an AP course after I have enrolled?
No. Because of tight budgets and full classes, in most cases students who are enrolled in an AP course must stay in the class for the entire semester.
Are there any prerequisites or requirements to take AP US History?
While there are no official pre-requisites to AP US History besides a teacher recommendation and a parent signature, here are some guidelines you might want to follow. Students should earn at least a “C” or higher in AP European History, a “B” or higher in Honors World History, or an “A” in regular World History. In accordance with the College Board’s philosophy of equity and access in AP, all qualified students are encouraged to consider enrolling in AP US History. However, only students who are self-motivated, strong readers, capable of higher level thinking and take the initiative are likely to be successful.
What is AP US History like? How will the class be taught?
AP US History (APUSH) is an intensive college type survey class taught in high school. The entire scope of American history will be considered, from the pre-Columbian era to the present. APUSH will be taught with an emphasis on content mastery and developing critical thinking skills. Frequent readings and regular lectures will be used to provide students with a base of historical knowledge. Regular essays, primary source analysis and occasional projects will be the main tools used to cultivate the skills students need to be successful on the AP US History exam and in their future college courses.
How hard is AP US History?
APUSH is probably much more challenging than any course students will have taken up to this point. Inmany ways, AP US History is harder than the typical freshman college history course. Not only do we use a college textbook, but we finish it in less time (by the end of April). And all AP courses culminate with the AP exam, which is significantly more difficult than a typical final exam in college. As in a college course, the responsibility for learning rests on the student, not the instructor. Experience has shown that most students will pass the class, but most will probably not earn an “A”. Although the formatting of the test changed in 2015, the statistics for 2014 show only 35% of students who took the APUSH Placement exam earned high enough on a score to place out at the college of their choice. It is highly recommend that if you don’t plan on taking the APUSH exam, you do not enroll in APUSH. (Unless you are just someone that likes reading and writing for hours each day.)
How much homework will be given? How much time does APUSH require?
In the year long format, expect reading and work for this class to fill about 1-2 hours per night. If your school teaches APUSH in a one semester format or block format, your expected reading time at night could be anywhere from 3-4 hours a night to stay on track. And remember, the entire class material must be covered by the end of April.
Is there a summer assignment? Will there be any work given over winter or spring break?
Yes. You will have reading on breaks and summer vacation. A lot.
What is the AP US History exam? Do I have to take it? Does it affect my grade?
The APUSH exam is a nationally administered three hour and fifteen minute exam consisting of 55 multiple choice questions, 4 Short-Answer questions,1 document based essay question, and 1 Long-Essay Question. Each AP exam costs about $90, and this year the state will pay that cost for you if you enroll in time.
Do all colleges give AP credit? How much credit can be earned?
Each college is free to set its own policy regarding AP scores. In general, California public universities accept scores of 3 or higher and most private colleges accept scores of 4 or higher. (AP exams are graded on a scale of 1-5.) Even colleges that do not accept AP scores for credit still strongly favor AP students during the admissions process. Students should contact schools directly or use the following site to learn about each institution’s specific policies regarding AP credit: http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp
If you’d like to read a hilarious and honest blog from a former APUSH student on the question of “should I or shouldn’t I take APUSH?”, check this website out:
http://bit.ly/1Fh7GBX
Email me if you have any additional questions at