{"id":10673,"date":"2017-12-29T10:00:29","date_gmt":"2017-12-29T18:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/hs\/?p=10673"},"modified":"2017-12-26T17:01:13","modified_gmt":"2017-12-27T01:01:13","slug":"apush-exam-review-last-minute-prep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/hs\/ap\/apush-exam-review-last-minute-prep\/","title":{"rendered":"APUSH Exam Review: 5 Last Minute Test Prep Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

No matter how much time you’ve devoted to your APUSH exam review, once your exam date approaches you enter the world of last minute test prep. Although there are no quick tricks to ensure a passing score, there are guidelines you can follow to make sure you are performing at the top of your academic skill level.<\/p>\n

Use our five last minute test prep suggestions to help you finish strong and test your best.<\/p>\n

Test Prep Tip #1: Keep studying<\/h2>\n

Even if you feel that you know all the information, it is a good idea to continue reviewing for your APUSH exam. This isn\u2019t a time to learn new material. Instead, aim for a quick overview of a time period<\/a>, historical event or major concept. Daily 30-minute study sessions will help keep APUSH exam information fresh in your mind. You can also use our APUSH study plans<\/a> to stay organized.<\/p>\n

Unless you have a preferred method for studying that works for you like nothing else, you can use your APUSH course notes to study<\/a>. Use your class notes as a study guide outline: Review each chapter chronologically to make sure you are familiar with each section of APUSH material that may appear on your exam. If you want to incorporate other materials, our APUSH cram packet<\/a> has other suggested resources.<\/p>\n

Test Prep Tip #2: Practice writing by hand<\/h2>\n

Why should you include writing as part of your APUSH exam review? There are three different types of essays that appear on the APUSH exam: short answer questions<\/a>, a data-based question<\/a> and one long essay<\/a>. You write every single one of these essays by hand. If you are a student who generally takes notes on a tablet or laptop, writing for an extended period of time can be difficult. Hand cramps are no joke!<\/p>\n

Prepare yourself by writing an essay every day. Find a prompt, set a timer for 45 minutes and start writing! Focus not only on the content (of course, you want a quality essay when finished) but also on the physical position of your body. Make sure your back is nice and straight, your shoulders are rolled back and your writing hand is relaxed.<\/p>\n

Having trouble locating a prompt? Hundreds of prompts for all three essay types are available online, but your best bet is to visit AP College Board<\/a> for the most up-to-date free response questions.<\/p>\n

Test Prep Tip #3: Review the APUSH exam expectations<\/h2>\n

No matter how much content you know, if you don\u2019t answer a question completely or in the correct format, you run the risk of losing valuable points. Don\u2019t let silly mistakes lower your overall exam score. Use some of your APUSH exam review time to brush up on how each section of the APUSH exam is scored. For complete scoring information, read AP College Board\u2019s Course & Exam Description<\/a>, beginning on page 129.<\/p>\n

Section I: Part A – multiple choice<\/h4>\n

55 questions = 40% of exam score total<\/strong>
\nAnswering these questions is no big deal. Choose the best option from up to 4 choices. Just be sure to fill in the bubble completely with your #2 pencil.<\/p>\n

Section I: Part B – short answer<\/h4>\n

3 questions = 20% of exam score total<\/strong>
\nQuestions 1 and 2 are required (both focus on periods 3-8). However, you can choose between Question 3 (periods 1-5) and Question 4 (periods 6-9), depending on which periods you prefer. Each question prompt is divided into three parts: A, B, and C. Each individual part is worth 1 point, for a total of 3 points.<\/p>\n

Each part is scored separately, so if you miss part A, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean the rest of your short answer is incorrect. Use complete sentences when answering these questions.<\/p>\n

Section II: Part A – data-based<\/h4>\n

1 question = 25% of exam score total<\/strong>
\nThis question focuses on periods 3-8, and is worth a maximum of 7 points. Official APUSH exam readers look for a clear thesis and development of your argument. Your essay must include evidence from the historical documents provided. <\/p>\n

In addition to providing your own outside evidence, also extend your argument by connecting material across historical themes<\/a> and content. Although taken from the 2016 APUSH exam, AP College Board\u2019s scoring guidelines<\/a> still contain relevant scoring information.<\/p>\n

Section II: Part B – long essay<\/h4>\n

1 question = 15% of exam score total<\/strong>
\nChoose one from three prompt options, each focusing on a different period:<\/p>\n