As a high school student, juggling academics, extracurriculars, and future planning is no easy feat. When it’s time to choose next semester’s classes, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming—especially when deciding whether to tackle an AP history course.
Thinking about taking an AP history class but unsure which one suits you best? With multiple options and varying levels of complexity, understanding what each course offers—and how it fits into your academic and career goals—is key.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about AP history classes. You’ll get a comprehensive overview of each course, including what they cover, who they’re ideal for, and how they can give you a competitive edge in your college applications.
What’s Inside?
We’ll start by breaking down your AP history class options and their unique features. Then, we’ll dive into the benefits of these courses and share 10 actionable tips to help you succeed, from mastering DBQs to staying organized.
Whether you’re considering AP World History, U.S. History, or even AP Art History, this guide is packed with expert advice to help you navigate these courses and thrive academically. Ready to chart your path to success? Let’s get started!
An Overview of AP History Classes
AP history courses are designed to challenge students with rigorous, college-level content while honing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. The College Board currently offers nine AP courses that cover subjects of history and social sciences:
- US History
- European History
- World History
- US Government
- Comparative Government
- Human Geography
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Psychology
- Plus: AP Art History
Each course provides unique opportunities to deepen your understanding of historical, social, or cultural topics while preparing you for rigorous college-level coursework.
Which AP History Class Should I Take?
Let’s dive into the details! For more specifics, you can always learn more about these classes directly on the College Board blog or the APStudents site.
1. AP United States History
AP U.S. History examines the development of American society, culture, politics, and economy from pre-Columbian times to the present. Students engage with key historical themes, including democracy, identity, and foreign policy, while analyzing primary and secondary sources to construct evidence-based arguments. (This course is equivalent to an introductory college U.S. history class.)
2. AP European History
AP European History explores cultural, economic, and political developments in Europe from 1450 to the present. Topics include the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Cold War, with a focus on analyzing historical documents and crafting arguments. This class builds a deeper understanding of Europe’s influence on the modern world.
3. AP World History: Modern
This course covers world events and global processes from 1200 CE to the present. It emphasizes themes such as trade, migration, and cultural exchange, alongside major transformations like industrialization and decolonization. Students develop skills in comparative analysis and crafting evidence-supported essays, making it a valuable foundation for understanding modern global dynamics.
4. AP United States Government and Politics
This course provides a comprehensive look at the U.S. government’s structure and operations, covering topics like the Constitution, federalism, and civil liberties. Students analyze the roles of political institutions and citizen engagement while gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary policy debates and legal precedents.
5. AP Comparative Government and Politics
This course examines the political structures, policies, and social challenges of six countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students compare governance systems and learn how historical and cultural contexts shape political ideologies and outcomes. It’s an excellent class for students interested in global politics and government.
6. AP Human Geography
In AP Human Geography, students explore the interactions between humans and their environments, focusing on patterns of migration, urban development, and resource use. The curriculum emphasizes spatial thinking and the use of maps and data to interpret social, political, and economic trends across the globe.
7. AP Microeconomics
This course focuses on the fundamentals of supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior. Students analyze how individuals and firms make economic choices and the implications of government policies. It’s particularly beneficial for those interested in business or economics.
8. AP Macroeconomics
AP Macroeconomics introduces students to the principles of economic decision-making at the national and global levels. Key topics include inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, and international trade. Students develop analytical tools to evaluate the performance of economies and assess economic policy impacts.
9. AP Psychology
AP Psychology covers the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, exploring topics like cognitive function, development, and psychological disorders. Students learn research methods and ethical considerations while applying psychological principles to real-world situations.
Bonus: 10. AP Art History
AP Art History takes students on a global journey through major works of art, from prehistoric cave paintings to modern installations. While not a traditional history subject, the course focuses on analyzing visual elements and understanding the cultural and historical contexts of artworks. Students develop critical thinking skills as they explore how art reflects and influences societies?.
Help! How Do I Choose?
Choosing the right AP history class depends on your interests, goals, and academic strengths. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Your interests: Passionate about U.S. history? Go for APUSH. Fascinated by global trends? Try AP World History.
- Your college major: Planning to study political science? AP Comparative Government might be a great fit.
- Your schedule: Each AP class varies in workload. Speak with your counselor or teacher to assess what’s manageable with your other commitments.
Each of these classes offers a rigorous academic experience, preparing students for college-level studies while building critical thinking and analytical skills.
Still unsure? Try sample course materials or watch online lectures to see if the subject piques your interest. Reliable resources like College Board’s AP Classroom are a great way to preview course content before you enroll.
AP Exams: Are They Required?
While taking the AP exam at the end of the course isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended. A strong score (typically a 3, 4, or 5) can earn you college credit or advanced placement, depending on your college’s policies. Fulfilling credit requirements early can translate to tuition savings for you later on.
Even if credit isn’t granted, colleges value the effort it takes to tackle AP-level coursework. The resilience and ambition required to complete the exam are strongly taken into account by college admissions officers.
Benefits of Taking AP History Classes
Wondering if these classes are worth the challenge? Here are just a few reasons why AP history classes can be a game-changer for your academic journey:
- College readiness: Develop critical reading, writing, and analytical skills.
- Stand out in applications: Showcase your ability to handle rigorous coursework.
- Potential college credit: Save money by skipping introductory-level college classes.
- Global awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of world events and cultures.
- Critical thinking: Learn to analyze sources and construct well-supported arguments.
Not to mention, it’s a great way to demonstrate to college admissions officers that you are willing to go above and beyond in your schoolwork.
10 Tips to Help You Succeed in AP History Classes
Mastering an AP history course takes effort, but these tips will set you up for success:
1. Stay Organized
Use planners, apps, or calendars to track assignments, projects, and exams. Color-code your tasks by priority or class for quick reference. Staying on top of deadlines will reduce stress and help you manage your workload effectively. (And, it makes studying more fun!) Keep your notes and handouts filed systematically, either digitally or in binders, to find information quickly when needed. If you struggle to keep your paper notes organized, try a digital site like Quizlet to store virtual flashcards.
2. Take Detailed Notes
This is my biggest tip: effective note-taking is key in AP history. Focus on identifying main ideas, critical events, and supporting evidence. Use methods like the Cornell system or mind maps to structure your notes. Include questions for further review, and summarize each lecture to reinforce your understanding. If you are a motivated student, consider copying out a clean sheet of notes for each chapter to help build your familiarity with the material (and make lovely study guides at the same time)!
3. Read Actively
Don’t just skim your textbooks; engage with the material. Highlight key points, annotate the margins, and write summaries after each chapter. Look for cause-and-effect relationships in historical events and try connecting themes across periods. This approach will deepen comprehension and retention.
4. Practice DBQs Regularly
Document-Based Questions (DBQs) are a cornerstone of AP history exams. You can find AP-style questions on Khan Academy and Albert.io as warm-ups. As you write, practice analyzing sources, identifying perspectives, and constructing coherent essays. Focus on organizing your responses around a strong thesis and using the documents as evidence to support your argument. Over time, you’ll become more confident in handling this challenging component, and your confidence will help you shine on test day.
5. Use Study Groups
Collaborate with peers to review material, debate historical interpretations, or tackle difficult concepts. Explaining ideas to others helps reinforce your learning, and hearing different perspectives can deepen your understanding. Just… make study sessions structured and goal-oriented to stay productive.
6. Consult Primary Sources
AP history emphasizes working with historical documents, speeches, letters, and other primary sources. Practice identifying the author’s intent, audience, and context. Consider how these sources reflect the cultural and political climate of their time. Developing this skill is invaluable for exams and essays.
7. Review Regularly
Instead of cramming before tests, create a consistent review schedule. Spend 15-20 minutes each day revisiting previous material. Use flashcards, summary notes, or concept maps to consolidate your knowledge. Spaced repetition will help you retain information more effectively than last-minute cramming. And, you’ll feel 100% better about your time management skills.
8. Seek Help Early
If you find a concept or topic challenging, don’t wait to address it. Schedule time with your teacher for clarification or attend study sessions. Online resources and tutoring services can also provide helpful tutorials and explanations to help you get out of a difficult spot in your semester.
9. Practice with Past Exams
Simulating the exam experience is one of the best ways to prepare. Use released AP exam questions to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing. Practice writing essays within the allocated time and review scoring rubrics to understand what graders are looking for.
However, that doesn’t just mean writing mindlessly! During your practice, be sure to keep an eye on the clock. Practicing time management during practice means you will be more likely to allocate sufficient time to each section on test day. After your practice, review the rubrics. Compare your work and understand where you could improve next time.
10. Maintain Balance
AP courses can be demanding, so don’t forget to take care of yourself. Schedule regular breaks during study sessions to recharge, and make time for hobbies or exercise to relieve stress. Maintaining a healthy balance will help you stay focused and prevent burnout.
These strategies will not only prepare you for AP history exams but also instill effective habits for college-level coursework.
Conclusion: Why AP History Classes Matter
Taking an AP history class is more than just a step toward college readiness—it’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world while sharpening valuable skills for life.
By choosing the right AP history course, staying committed, and applying smart study strategies, you can excel academically and position yourself as a standout applicant.
Ready to build a strong academic foundation? Empowerly’s team of experts is here to guide you through your high school journey and beyond. Book a consultation today to plan your best path forward!
