2 answers
Angela
Student
Highland Park, New Jersey
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How do you recommend I go about studying and prepping for AP World test that is in less than a week?
The AP world history test is on May 8th.
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Angela! You still have time to make real progress, don’t panic. So here is a little something.
1. Prioritize Practice FRQs and DBQs:
Start each study session with at least one free-response question. Don’t aim for perfection—just practice organizing your thoughts quickly and backing them up with evidence.
2. Use the Course Themes:
Focus your review around the big themes like Humans and the Environment, Cultural Developments, Governance, Economic Systems, Social Interactions, and Technology. These will help you make connections across time periods.
3. Practice Multiple Choice Under Timed Conditions:
Use resources like AP Classroom, Fiveable, or practice books. Set a timer and simulate the real test.
4. Don’t Cram Every Detail—Focus on Patterns:
Instead of memorizing every empire’s ruler, focus on comparisons: How did different states maintain power? How did belief systems shape societies?
5. Rest and Recharge:
Seriously, sleep matters. The night before the test, don’t study. Just do a light review, breathe, and trust what you’ve built. You will probably be overloaded by the feeling of the test and you might not even be able to snooze so don't take it under stress. If you can't sleep try to go through your reviews and do a little meditation to keep yourself calm. That anxiety and pressure will be there, but just try to relax.
I just want to tell you I was told that I couldn't ace the IELTS and I had less than 3 days. I managed to get a 7 score on my first try and it was the same when I first went for my IGCSE examinations, which were 5 subjects. I honestly never read those books, but I believed in myself, I had less than 20 days to prepare and I got the marks (A to C) so know if you want it, if you put your mindset to it you can achieve it but don't stress it. All the best and know you can always reach out when you need to. You’ve got this, Angela. Study smart, not just hard, and cant wait to hear how it goes.
1. Prioritize Practice FRQs and DBQs:
Start each study session with at least one free-response question. Don’t aim for perfection—just practice organizing your thoughts quickly and backing them up with evidence.
2. Use the Course Themes:
Focus your review around the big themes like Humans and the Environment, Cultural Developments, Governance, Economic Systems, Social Interactions, and Technology. These will help you make connections across time periods.
3. Practice Multiple Choice Under Timed Conditions:
Use resources like AP Classroom, Fiveable, or practice books. Set a timer and simulate the real test.
4. Don’t Cram Every Detail—Focus on Patterns:
Instead of memorizing every empire’s ruler, focus on comparisons: How did different states maintain power? How did belief systems shape societies?
5. Rest and Recharge:
Seriously, sleep matters. The night before the test, don’t study. Just do a light review, breathe, and trust what you’ve built. You will probably be overloaded by the feeling of the test and you might not even be able to snooze so don't take it under stress. If you can't sleep try to go through your reviews and do a little meditation to keep yourself calm. That anxiety and pressure will be there, but just try to relax.
I just want to tell you I was told that I couldn't ace the IELTS and I had less than 3 days. I managed to get a 7 score on my first try and it was the same when I first went for my IGCSE examinations, which were 5 subjects. I honestly never read those books, but I believed in myself, I had less than 20 days to prepare and I got the marks (A to C) so know if you want it, if you put your mindset to it you can achieve it but don't stress it. All the best and know you can always reach out when you need to. You’ve got this, Angela. Study smart, not just hard, and cant wait to hear how it goes.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Angela,
I would recommend you first revise the material, then test yourself using some old exams. Identify sections where you are lacking and read up on it.
You find helpful notes and past exams here:
https://www.savemyexams.com/ap/
There are also YouTube videos on AP exams.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I would recommend you first revise the material, then test yourself using some old exams. Identify sections where you are lacking and read up on it.
You find helpful notes and past exams here:
https://www.savemyexams.com/ap/
There are also YouTube videos on AP exams.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP