What to expect on APUSH test day?

Hi there, I'm a little nervous about what to expect on the day of the APUSH exam. Could you guys share your experiences or any advice you have for staying calm and focused on test day? Thanks a bunch!

Hey there! It's totally normal to be a bit nervous about the APUSH exam. I'm here to help you understand what to expect and share some tips on staying calm and focused.

On test day, the APUSH exam will consist of two main sections: multiple choice/short answer and free response. The first part is the multiple-choice section, which will have 55 questions with a time limit of 55 minutes, followed by the short answer section, comprised of 3 questions with a total time limit of 40 minutes.

After a short break, you'll tackle the free response section, which contains one Document-Based Question (DBQ) and one Long Essay Question (LEQ). For the DBQ, you'll have 60 minutes (including a 15-minute reading period), and for the LEQ, you'll have 40 minutes.

If you want a more comprehensive breakdown of what to expect on the exam itself, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which has an overview of the exam structure and topics covered, as well as some sample questions: https://blog.collegevine.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-u-s-history-ap-exam

Now, here are some tips to stay calm and focused:

1. Prepare well in advance: Review your notes, take practice tests, and use study resources like the APUSH Course Description and review books. Familiarize yourself with the exam format, so you know what to expect.

2. Simulate test conditions: When taking practice tests, mimic the actual test conditions, such as timing, environment, and materials, to build confidence in your ability to manage time and cope with exam stress.

3. Get a good night's sleep: Don't cram the night before the exam. Understand that rest is essential for retaining information and ensuring optimal cognitive function on test day.

4. Eat a healthy meal: On the day of the exam, make sure to eat a nutritious breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of your test. Including complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats will help maintain energy levels and mental clarity.

5. Arrive early and prepared: Get to the testing site early to find your seat, settle in, and mentally prepare yourself. Bring the necessary materials such as your photo ID and No. 2 pencils. CollegeVine's blog contains a detailed overview of what to bring on the big day: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-should-you-bring-to-your-ap-exam/

6. Utilize relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive visualization can help calm your nerves both before and during the exam.

7. Manage your time wisely: Be mindful of the time limits for each section and pace yourself. If you get stuck on a question, move on and come back to it if you have time left - you don't want to spend too much time on any one question, at the expense of the others. And remember, there's no penalty for guessing!

8. Stay positive and confident: Remind yourself of your preparation and that you've done everything you can to prepare for the exam. Trust your knowledge and abilities.

It's natural to feel nervous, but with the proper preparation and mindset, you can overcome exam anxiety and perform at your best. Good luck on your APUSH exam!