How to Decide which AP History Class(es) to Take
There are 3 AP history exams—US History, World History (Modern), and European History. How do you know which ones would be best for you to take? Which would you enjoy most, and which would be most useful for you? Read below to get some tips!
Here are 4 criteria to consider when you think about which AP classes and exams you want to take.
AP Test Goals
One of the most important considerations in whether you should take AP history courses and the AP history exams is what your goals are for high school and college. What are you interested in learning? How would you like to spend the finite time you have in high school? And which AP plans will help best set you up for your goals for life after high school?
AP courses and exams are a lot of work—having a reason why you are working on them can help you stay motivated. It can also remind you of what your goals are in the course.
School Curricula
The next consideration is what your high school offers. Which AP courses are offered by your school? You do not need to take an official AP course to take an AP exam. However, it does make it much easier. You will have an expert teacher, you will have someone walk you through how to take the test, and you will have accountability in your studies throughout the year.
That said, you can register for the exam without having taken an official AP course. If your school does not offer an AP course, it might be helpful if you can enroll in an honors course on a similar topic. This class can give you an introduction to some of the material, although you will have to study a lot outside of the class. It also helps if you have already taken an AP history course—all of the essays are the same for all 3 exams, so if you have already learned how to write the AP history essays for one exam, you are all set for the next exam.
Historical Interests
It is also important to think about what interests you. Some people are drawn to some eras of history more than others—that is perfectly fine! AP history requires a lot of work. It is much easier to get through the requirements and to remember the material when it is something that interests you. From among the three options—US, world, and European—does one stand out to you as more engaging than the others?
Potential Colleges
The main point of taking the AP tests, of course, is for college applications and to receive college credit. What schools are you thinking of applying to? Do they give course credit for all 3 AP history exams? Some universities do not give credit for all of the history exams. Additionally, will they give credit for history courses if you take more than one AP history test? If not, your AP history score for any additional tests beyond for first will then only be useful for your college application. Many students take the AP exams just for their applications, but it is helpful to strategize how you will use these scores in the future.
Additionally, be flexible when it comes to your college list. Most students apply to several schools. And many students change their preferred colleges throughout their time in high school. Be sure to make a plan that gives you plenty of options when you start applying to colleges in your senior year.
Final Thoughts
The AP history exam can be immensely useful to your intellectual growth. In addition to the history content that you will learn, these exams also challenge you to read closely, think clearly, and argue precisely. These skills are useful in high school, college, and the world beyond school. It can also be immensely rewarding to work on challenging coursework and receive an excellent grade at the end of the exam.
