AP Art History exam prep—where to even start?

I'm taking AP Art History and let's just say it's a lot more content than I anticipated. For anyone who's taken it, how did you study for the AP Art History exam, and are there specific resources or strategies that helped you nail the content?

I can understand that AP Art History comes with an extensive amount of information to grasp. The first thing I recommend is making a study schedule. Divide the content into manageable sections and allocate specific times to study each one. It's crucial to not leave it all for the last minute, as this subject requires a good bit of memorization and comprehension.

One strategy that works well is creating flashcards for key terms, artworks, artists, and periods. This can be done using physical cards or using digital tools like Quizlet, which has pre-made AP Art History decks you can use. Make sure you go beyond just memorization, though; practice critical thinking and articulating connections between different works and art movements.

There are also a number of resources you might find helpful. The College Board website itself has a section for AP Art History with past exam questions and scoring guidelines—analyzing these can give insight into the type of answers they are looking for. For content review, the Khan Academy AP Art History course is thorough and free. They break down the entire curriculum into short, digestible videos, which many students find invaluable. Also check out CollegeVine's various AP guides: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/ap-test-guides/

In addition, consider forming a study group with classmates where you can quiz each other and discuss themes. The discussion often helps retention and understanding. Remember, consistency is key. Even if it's just 30 minutes a day, regular study will build up your knowledge and confidence.

Lastly, past AP exam essay questions can be incredibly useful. Practice writing responses to these, so you can get used to the format and type of thinking the exam requires. Then, review your essays with an art teacher or a knowledgeable peer who can provide feedback. With determination and structured preparation, you'll get a handle on the course material in time for the exam. Best of luck—you've got this!