So about a month ago I signed up for the AP Human Geography exam but as of now, I’m not sure if I’m qualified. My test category in the class is a 78% (it used to be an 83) but I have a 94 in the class because our teacher gives out extra credit. Here are my grade categories for the class:
Projects - 124%
Assessments - 78.67%
classwork - 106%
homework 110%
As you can see, there’s a huge difference in my other categories compared to my test category. Because of this I’m nervous and scared that my decision to take the ap exam was a mistake. Some other students I know taking it have a very high grade in the class overall, about 100% and I even went to the website AP Pass but I’m afraid it’s not accurate. The reason I wanted to take the exam in the first place is that I am really good at writing written responses, and I usually get a B or higher on tests but this one test I wasn’t prepared for as I had two other tests on the same day. I know I can at least pass this test, but I want to do more than passing. I want to get at least a 4/5. Our teacher gives out extra credit for projects and classwork, but she only gives extra credit for homework when it is deserved. The homework is usually analytical questions regarding the unit, and like I said, I’m good at written responses than multiple choice questions on specific detail. I just want to know If I actually am qualified for the exam.
I’m taking hgap too, and have a 98 average in the class. My district is highly competitive so extra credit is rarely given. Why I’m saying this is that usually teachers make their hgap tests harder than the real AP exam so that the students will be more prepared. I think if you start studying NOW and I mean RIGHT NOW, for at least an hour a day, you will be fine for the exam. Everyone says vocab is the top thing to be ready for, so go over that everyday. Some people do bad in the class, but score a 4/5 on the exam bc they are good at process of elimination. I think if you learn test taking strategies and study vocab hard, you will do great!
I’m taking AP Human Geography this year, and I’ve had a 98 average all year. Not bragging, but I am pretty sure I have the highest grade in my class of around 20. I am starting to study now (I have gotten the Barron’s APHG textbook, the Princeton APHG textbook, and 400 flashcards from Barron’s to study from). We start studying as a class for the exam in mid-April. I would recommend you maybe get either Barron’s or Princeton Review from Amazon, start skimming over it, look up practice tests, and just get motivation. The motivation part may seem stereotypical, but it really works. As is the case with every single AP course, YOU decide how it goes based on YOUR MOTIVATION. The key thing is if you have enough motivation to get a 5/5 on the exam, don’t settle for a 4/5. START REVIEWING NOW!!! Also, a practice APHG exam is available at www.barronsbooks.com/AP/humangeo/
Your grade in the class does not necessarily reflect what your score on the exam will be. The curve on AP Pass is correct, even though it is very low. Because there are so many people who fail the exam really badly, the percentage required for a 5 is in the low- sixties. The essays are very easy as they do not have any extremely-specific requirements like a DBQ. I got a 5 last year and read through the Barron’s book twice, and took probably about four practice tests. If you read and really pay attention to Barron’s/PR/Kaplan etc., you will do well on the exam.
I am taking it right now too but I am taking it online so I don’t know how prepared I will be either. I am taking practice tests and reviewing quizlets and I feel like its helping. You might ask your teacher to have your tests back to see what you need to work on most and study that. From what I have heard it is an incredibly easy exam and if you’re good at the FRQ then you already have a pretty good chance of doing well since they’re 50% of your final score.
I took APHG last year had a 97% in the class and scored a 4. If you average 60-80% on your unit tests you should be fine for the AP test. By the way, my teacher did not stress this but agriculture and the urban city models are a huge part of the test @fearforthefuture