Ap Euro -- tips for getting a 5?

I’m a sophomore in high school but Ap euro is the first AP course that I’ve taken and I’m struggling in class. I’m not learning much from my teacher. He just makes us read the textbook but that’s about it. Are there any other prep books that I can use to improve my grade? I’m struggling mostly in the FRQs and MCs so are there any better ways I can study for these parts besides reading the textbook? Thanks!

Hello! I’m a sophomore taking AP Euro too! It’s difficult, isn’t it? I’m struggling, too…

My teacher recommended that we buy the AP European History All Access book by REA – it’s great. The information is clear, concise, and engaging, and it also includes study tips, a practice exam, and a glossary. It also gives you an access code to free online tools!

Hope this helps!

I feel like I’m typing too often, but one tip is to study for the AP exam as early as possible! I have a friend (she’s a senior now) who took APEH in her sophomore year and only studied for the exam two days before. She says she’s lucky she got a 3. So study up, and don’t be afraid to ask your teacher questions if you have any!

Hey, I’m also a sophomore taking Euro. Last year I took world history (got a 5) - I am hoping to do the same this year (also taking AP Psych this year which is too easy).
I’ve bought CrashCourse, Princetons, and am also using REA’s big book for Euro. I’m starting my review now - last year I started during late Feb.

Good luck to you two!

I self studied AP Euro in my freshman year and got a 5. All I did was read REA crash course back to front and listen to Hank’s History Hour podcasts. I started in late March and found enough time to cram all the content into a month or so. It’s quite easy actually - good luck!

Thanks @stantonstudent and @DigitalKing!

One thing that worries me is that I’m not a fast writer at all, so I may not have enough time to finish my DBQ and two FRQ’s. Any advice with this?

since the DBQ is worth a lot, I plan on spending more than the time recommended for it (I’m attempting to get expanded core which isn’t too hard on the DBQ). Try to spend roughly equal time on the other 2 FRQ’s.

I think the key to doing well on the other 2 FRQs is to really know your history - it wouldn’t hurt to look at some released DBQs and FRQs (which can be found on the CB’s AP Central).

Also, to improve you speed I’d say have an effective plan before you write, write in print (just a tip), and practice some writing some essays.

@DigitalKing - do you have any specific tips on how to prepare for the essays or just tips in general?

I got a 5 last year
I listened to a lot of ‘Hank’s History Hour’ podcasts online. Its a college-age guy discussing each chapter. For some people it’s helpful, for others, not. It helped me because the guy was more casual so its easier to understand. Plus you can just listen to the podcasts and go on a run, walk your dog, etc.

Good luck!! :slight_smile:

My advice for writing a good essay is: Don’t just study the facts and numbers, try to find a classmate and talk about the subject.Discuss what was really going on back there. It will make it so much easier to remember everything.

Thx collegebound and anitram!

@stantonstudent Well to be honest, my essays were really bad. My DBQ was 6 pages and I spent 75% of my time on it, while my other two essays added up to 3 pages. One thing I’d recommend is knowing the rubric inside and out and making sure your essay meets those requirements.

D claimed her 5 was due to having watched “The Tudors”. I think she was only partially joking.

Crash Course and Tom Richey’s YouTube vids.

The Holy Grail.

My history teacher is the same way. Thanks for making this.

Also, please check out my AP Euro thread I just created. You may be interested in it.

Thank you so much

We’ve got about a month and a couple days left - where are you guys either in the class or in your review?

Or have you even started to review? 0.o

I’m reviewing on my own. My friend and I are having a study gathering at our local library after spring break. My piano teacher told me that most libraries offer AP Exam Prep Books, so I’m looking into that. I have the worst teacher ever. He literally doesn’t teach. I’m getting an 84, and I’m one point away from a B. I don’t care how I do on the actual exam as much as I care about getting a decent grade on my transcript.

My class has four more chapters in the textbook to learn before we can begin review. I haven’t started any review on my own, though I really should. I was looking through my notes from the earlier chapters, such as the religious wars, and I realized I don’t remember much!

I just made a Facebook page. Please share with people. It’s called AP Euro Exam Prep 2015. Thanks!