Hello everyone! I'm taking the AP European History exam this year and I'm feeling a bit stressed out about it. Can someone please give me a general idea of what to expect in terms of question types and difficulty? Thanks a lot!
Hi! Don't worry, it's normal to feel a bit stressed before taking an AP exam. I'll give you an overview of the AP European History exam format so you know what to expect on test day. The exam consists of two main sections: Multiple Choice/Short Answer (Section I) and Free Response (Section II).
Section I:
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): There will be 55 MCQs in this section, and you'll have 55 minutes to complete them. The questions are mainly content-based and will test your knowledge of the European History curriculum. They are divided into sets of 2–5, with each question set based on a primary or secondary source such as texts, images, and graphs.
2. Short Answer Questions (SAQ): You'll have 50 minutes to answer 4 SAQs. Two of these questions are required (Questions 1 and 2) and are based on a primary or secondary source. For the remaining two SAQs, you will have a choice between two different questions (Questions 3 & 4 and Questions 5 & 6). These questions might relate to specific historical events, developments, or perspectives.
Section II:
1. Document-Based Question (DBQ): This question will present you with 7 documents (texts, images, maps, or graphs) related to a particular historical event or topic. You'll have 60 minutes to write an essay that analyzes the documents and addresses the prompt. The DBQ will ask you to examine the documents' points of view, assess the reliability and significance of the documents, and synthesize your analysis with outside historical knowledge.
2. Long Essay Question (LEQ): You'll have a choice of three essay prompts and will choose one to write about. You'll have 40 minutes to write an essay that requires you to create a coherent argument that integrates and analyzes historical evidence and context. The LEQ will evaluate your ability to develop a thesis, use relevant historical evidence, and analyze secondary and primary sources.
In terms of difficulty, the AP European History exam can be challenging as it requires you to think critically, analyze sources, and integrate your knowledge of history. However, with effective preparation and practice, you'll be better equipped to handle the questions and perform well on the exam.
To prepare efficiently, focus on understanding the main historical developments, themes, and events in European history. Review the College Board's Course and Exam Description for a detailed outline of the course content, and practice answering questions using previous years' exams or other study resources. Good luck with your AP European History exam!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.