AP Tips

Success in AP US history is not a matter of luck.  It takes plain old hard work. The following tips will help students be successful both in the class and on the AP exam.

READ! READ! READ!

Staying up with the reading from Day One is imperative. The course will include readings in the textbook, primary source documents and other handouts provided in class. Start now and don't stop until the year is over. Actually, don't stop until your life is over, but that's another story!

DUE TOMORROW? DO TODAY!

• Don't procrastinate.
• Don't assume that you will have time tomorrow.
• Don't fall for the old line "But I work better under pressure!"

STUDY/WORK IN CHUNKS

• Break assignments down into manageable pieces.
• Do the work you like least FIRST!
• Take small breaks every hour or so to let your mind regroup.
• No phone and no TV while studying!!
• Form a study group with 2-3 other like-minded students.

ORGANIZE!!

• Organization is a skill. Skills can be learned!
• Don't procrastinate. [Gee, have you heard this one before?]
• Keep a day runner or calendar for assignments and due dates.
• Put finished assignments in your binder/backpack as soon as they are finished.
• Pack your backpack the night before. That way if you oversleep, you can grab it and go.
  

DO NOT PANIC! ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!