A.P. U.S. History F.A.Q (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is AP? How is it different from an “Honors” or “CP” class?
AP stands for Advanced Placement. It is a program developed by the College Board to offer college level rigor in high school. Honors or College Prepatory (CP) courses, on the other hand, are designed to be more challenging versions of high school classes. AP courses are very demanding, and students can expect them to be among the most challenging courses available.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking an AP course?
AP courses give students several advantages: an edge in college admissions, an opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school (which can save time and money in college), an extra GPA grade point, exposure to more rigorous study, and a thorough introduction to the subject. The drawbacks to an AP course include more stress, less sleep, possibly lower grades, and potentially greater difficulty balancing other commitments. Since each situation and person is different, students should carefully weigh their motivation, available time and abilities before deciding whether to take AP courses.
Are AP courses compatible with athletics, extra-curricular activities or work?
There is no universal answer. Some students are able to manage multiple AP courses and extra-curricular activities, while others struggle under the weight of a single AP class. Students and parents need to carefully consider what is realistic and in the best interest of a particular student. Student athletes and band members should try to avoid taking AP courses during 6th period.
Can I drop an AP course after I have enrolled?
No. Because of tight budgets and full classes, in most cases students who are enrolled in an AP course must stay in the class for the entire semester. After the first semester is over, there tends to be more room in classes to allow you to drop to a regular US History class.
Are there any prerequisites or requirements to take AP US History?
While there are no official pre-requesites to AP US History besides a teacher recommendation and a parent signature, here are some guidelines you might want to follow. Students should earn at least a “C” or higher in AP European History, a “B” or higher in Honors World History, or an “A” in regular World History. You are highly encouraged to attend the informational meetings that I hold in the spring. Those who did not attend are strongly advised to meet with me before registering. In accordance with the College Board’s philosophy of equity and access in AP, all qualified students are encouraged to consider enrolling in AP US History. However, only students who are self-motivated, strong readers, capable of higher level thinking and take the initiative are likely to be successful.
What is AP US History like? How will the class be taught?
AP US History (APUSH) is an intensive college type survey class taught in high school. The entire scope of American history will be considered, from the pre-Columbian era to the present. APUSH will be taught with an emphasis on content mastery and developing critical thinking skills. Frequent readings and regular lectures will be used to provide students with a base of historical knowledge. Regular essays, primary source analysis and occasional projects will be the main tools used to cultivate the skills students need to be successful on the AP US History exam and in their future college courses.
How hard is AP US History?
APUSH is probably much more challenging than any course students will have taken up to this point. In many ways, AP US History is harder than the typical freshman college history course. Not only do we use a college textbook, America’s History, but we finish it in less time (by the middle of April). And all AP courses culminate with the AP exam, which is significantly more difficult than a typical final exam in college. As in a college course, the responsibility for learning rests on the student, not the instructor. Experience has shown that most students will pass the class, but most will probably not earn an “A”.
How much homework will be given? How much time does APUSH require?
In order to finish the textbook before the AP exam, students will read and complete the homework for one chapter each week. A multiple choice test and an essay will be given approximately every three weeks. Other assignments and projects will also be incorporated into the class. Many students will initially find the pace challenging, but most will adapt and find that they are capable of working harder than they previously imagined. The amount of time required to complete the typical week’s homework is directly related to how well a student reads and comprehends new and challenging material.
Is there a summer assignment? Will there be any work given over winter or spring break?
Yes. All incoming AP US History students need to complete a reading and answer a set of questions. Both the reading and questions will require students to think and write at a college level. Details of the assignment including the text to be read and questions to be answered will be posted to the incoming AP US History student website between the last day of school and the end of June. See http://mrpowellisawesome.weebly.com/ for more details (in the class tab by AP US). The work is due the first day of school. Only students who enroll late into the class will be able to make-up the work without penalty. Students also must memorize the location of the 50 states and other elements of American geography (see the website for the complete list) for a test on the first day. It has not yet been determined if any work will be given during Christmas break. However, students are expected to study during spring break for the AP US History exam in May.
What is the AP US History exam? Do I have to take it? Does it affect my grade?
The APUS exam is a nationally administered three hour and fifteen minute exam consisting of 55 multiple choice questions, 4 Short-Answer questions,1 document based essay question, and 1 Long-Essay Question. Each AP exam costs about $90, though fee reductions are available to those who qualify. The AP US History exam will be administered on Friday morning, May 8th 2015. All students enrolled in the course second semester are required to take the exam. AP exam scores will be mailed to students in mid-July from ETS and will not factor into semester grades.
Note: If a student for any reason does not take the AP test, they will be required to take a similar test during the same date and time that WILL count towards your final grade.
Do all colleges give AP credit? How much credit can be earned?
Each college is free to set its own policy regarding AP scores. In general, California public universities accept scores of 3 or higher and most private colleges accept scores of 4 or higher. (AP exams are graded on a scale of 1-5.) Even colleges that do not accept AP scores for credit still strongly favor AP students during the admissions process. Students should contact schools directly or use the following site to learn about each institution’s specific policies regarding AP credit: http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp
Would buying a review book help?
Most commercially available AP US History review books will be of little help to students during the course. However, students will need to purchase the Amsco US History AP, 3rd Edition (AKA the 2015 edition) book as a supplement to their textbook. Amsco books can be purchased used from previous students or new for $18.95 directly from the publisher via the following web link: http://www.amscopub.com/us-history-preparing-for-ap-exam
What is considered cheating? What happens if I get caught cheating?
Cheating is whenever a student attempts to earn credit for any work that is not his or her own. Cheating is unfair, corrosive to our shared sense of mission and taken very seriously in AP US History. The penalty for cheating in APUSH includes receiving a -100% on whatever was cheated on and a possible parent conference. Repeated instances of cheating may result in even more severe grade reductions and/or expulsion from the class with a transfer grade of “F.”
At the university level, cheating results in an automatic “F” in the course and often academic suspension or even expulsion from the university. Students suspected of cheating on the AP exam will likely have their test scores voided by the College Board and can result in criminal proceedings
What if I have more questions?
Website: http://mrpowellisawesome.weebly.com/
Classroom:
Email: [email protected]
Please carefully read this document and all of the information on the website before contacting me with any questions about APUS History. Scheduling questions should be directed to a counselor.
Matthew Ellington's FAQ was used extensively in the creation of the FAQ. I have only made minor changes to this FAQ. Used with his permission. You do not have permission to copy this information without prior approval of Matthew Ellington. Please contact me if you're interested in reproducing this FAQ.