Hi guys,
I am taking AP European History and AP Calculus AB as a sophomore right now. And I find myself totally lost in AP european history. I usually take way more time in AP Euro than in AP Calculus; however, I bumped in the test recently in AP Euro. (Got a B) Well, since I spent so much time on it and still didn’t get a good grade as I had expected, can anyone give me any suggestion???
By the way, my teacher sucks, because he doesn’t even grade our essays. Asking peers to grade them, she doesn’t even teach us how to write.
Concerning about the problems above, I really want to listen to some cordial advice…</p>
First of all, congrats on the courses. I’m a sophomore and I’m only taking Algebra 2/Trigonometry. Obviously, you rock at math since you got into Calculus, but history needs more of your focus right now. Also, there are so many things to memorize and outlines to make… It takes many sleepless nights and angry faces at the workload 
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My teacher also isn’t good and doesn’t really teach. She rambles, and when it comes to tests, no one knows what to expect… I barely get notes in her class. Essentially, being in AP Euro in my school means showing up for class and tests, and doing all the work at home. </p>
I posted a thread on AP Euro somewhere… Take a look?</p>
I’m a former AP European History student (got a 5 on the test). If you want, I can take a look at your essays and see where your shortfalls are. </p>
On-topic: AP European History covers a lot of material. Several hundred years of it. Be on top of your game, study, know the facts and significance (hint: you will need this for analysis in essay writing in case you’re asked to evaluate the events). And get used to reading primary source documents and interpreting it; there’s a chance you’ll be reading documents from as far back as 16th century, with “strange” wordings and phrases.</p>
Don’t merely memorize the facts. Also think about the significance/impact that it had to that time period, and if applicable, future events. (analysis!) IMO, I think that purely memorizing facts will get you halfway (plus you’ll forget it really easily) .</p>
Thanks guys…</p>
…?</p>
I agree with WillDaSnail.</p>
I’m also former AP Euro student (also got a 5 on the test), and I agree that memorizing will get you nowhere. It’s much better to understand the general themes, changes, and significance of different events that occurred throughout European history. Same with people, understand their importance and their contributions. In terms of essays, take a look at [past</a> FR and DBQ essays from the CB,](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>AP European History Exam – AP Students | College Board) and see how you stack up. I believe there’s also rubric of how the AP graders grade your essays, so using that to guide you could also help.</p>
Good luck</p>