AP US History—A Mountain or Molehill?

I've been pondering whether to take AP US History next year. Some people say it's super hard, while others claim it's manageable. Could those who have taken AP US History shed some light? Thanks in advance!

As a current college student who also had this dilemma in high school, I understand where you're coming from. The difficulty of AP US History can depend on a number of factors: your interest in the subject, your teacher's teaching methods, your workload from other classes, and your own study habits.

In terms of content, AP US history covers a comprehensive span of US history from the indigenous cultures before European contact to the most recent history. If you enjoy history, the material can be quite engaging. The challenging part can be remembering the sheer amount of information, but trying to understand the patterns and big picture (rather than memorizing dates and names) can help you handle it better.

The class also typically requires a lot of reading and writing, as well as analytical thinking. This can be tough if you aren't an avid reader or if writing isn't your strength. However, with consistent reading, note taking, and practicing your essay writing skills, it's entirely possible to do well.

In terms of workload, AP US history is notorious for being heavy. Regular readings, essays, DBQs (document-based questions), and tests can be time-consuming; remember to take this into consideration when planning your schedule. Balancing the workload of other classes is also important.

Ultimately, whether AP US History will be a mountain or molehill depends on your perspective and preparation. If you have an interest in history and are willing to put in the time and effort to delve into the material, it can be well worth it. But if there's another AP class you're more interested in or if you already have a heavy workload, it may be worth reconsidering.