A Freshman’s Guide to AP World History
As a recent student who completed AP World History, I have some tips for anyone who’s thinking about taking/is taking the class
It is not like any other social studies/history class you’ve ever taken before. It’s going to take some getting used to before you feel comfortable taking test, quizzes, using historical thinking skills, and writing essays.
You learn SO much. You learn about the history of the world from the point in time where technological and environmental transformations are seen, to the present. All in one year.
The first few weeks will be very rough, you may not do that well. That’s okay. You’re a baby freshman thrown into a class meant for college students. You’ve never done any of this stuff before, but you will learn.
You don’t have to be stressed about everything regarding the class. If it does not leave a long lasting impact on your grade, like a small homework assignment or quiz, don’t worry about it.
Tests are not what you think they’re going to be. AP World History is less direct facts about events and characteristics, and more knowing information and be able to apply it to events and see how it effects the world.
If you get so stressed that you cry about the work, or your life revolves around this class, drop it. Your own health is more important than some potential college credit. You have other opportunities to show your skills in other classes, it’s okay if you don’t go through with it.
If you decide to take the class the whole year, prepare to be stressed. I know I said not to be stressed about everything regarding the class, but that’s impossible for anybody. The days before a big test or in class essay are rough. You’ll get through it, and it’ll be okay.
The important thing is to not put too much pressure on yourself.
Start reviewing the material when you first learn it. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep up with all of the things you learn. Some tests cover material from 8 chapters that are about different empires or civilizations.
You will not be able to cram all of the information in the period/era, 3 days before the test. Do not cram all of it in 3 days.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your teacher understands that the class is difficult, go ask for help if you need it. It really helps.
Use all of the resources available to you. For my class we were required to get an exam prep book, and it has saved me from rereading each chapter. Watch videos, look through tumblr for packets, make study guides with friends, use anything that will help you.
You don’t know what the essay prompt is before an in class essay. You know the period and what general period you have to write about, but you have no specifics. You don’t know if it’s going to be a comparison essay, a continuity and change over time essay, etc. You don’t know what empire(s) or civilization(s) you get to write about. You can’t really prepare for them unless you cover the skills or know everything covered in the period.
Despite all of the stress and late night, learning everything is really cool, you never realize how much more you know about the world until it’s over
It’s good experience for a first AP class and a good experience with what an AP test is like
AP test really isn’t that big of a deal, the multiple choice can be about stuff you don’t remember and the essay questions can be really specific and hard to answer, but that’s okay. The test is most likely graded on a curve, which means only so many people won’t be able to get credit.
Good luck and happy studying historians!
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