Obviously the consensus on here is that APHUG is really easy (often considered one of, if not THE easiest, exams), and you can’t fail unless you don’t know what you’re doing… But I’ve heard the exam has gotten harder over the years… Can anyone confirm? Also, what are the best prep books? Can anyone tell me if there is a free copy online (cheap parents) and direct me there (or tell me what to Google to find it)?
Additionally, for those of you who had conflict with another exam, where the questions weird and was the curve harsher? Mine will conflict with another exam (Micro or macro, I think), and I’m worried that I won’t get a five, even with the extremely generous curve.
I took this class in 9th grade and really enjoyed the material. I had an excellent teacher throughout the year and studied with Barron’s starting about 2 weeks before the exam. I remember feeling really confident after the test, and I scored a 5.
What year was this, jackrabbit14? Also, what I’m self-studying this… Do you think I should get anything other than Barron’s, and if I can get it for free or very very cheap?
It is getting harder. I was looking at some stats at college board’s website and it mentioned that during last few years percentage of kids scoring 5 was 12% but it dropped down to 7.5% in 2015. You can check this year’s stats in a month or so.
@WorryHurry411, do you think it’s because the exam is getting harder, or grade inflation creatung even less prepared students? I can tell you that the work upperclassmen did when they were in my grade was harder, and each year our grades do worse on AP exams and my grade complains about PLTW (engineering) exams that previous grades have aced with little difficulty. Also, I wonder if it could be because of the rising number of AP exams taken per year… Less time to study for the ‘easy’ exams. And are there statistics for late takers, especially since I am almost positive I’ll take it late?
That was 2013 (I’m a rising senior now). I don’t know if the test is getting harder. Also, lots of my classmates used Princeton Review and did well. I think the two together will probably cover every topic needed for the AP exam.
I don’t think that the exam is getting harder. I took it this year and got a 5. This year the MC of the exam was very hard and the FRQs were very easy. Most people who take this AP are freshmen, so the % for a 5 is lower than most APs, around 60% from what I’ve heard.
@WorryHurry411 The % of 4s and 5s went up this year.
Check at Half-Price Books for study guides. Cheap, cheap!
Personally, I don’t believe that the tests have gotten more difficult.
True. However, the change is statistically insignificant.
You’re right, AP human geography has a reputation as the easiest AP exam which is why I think many people underestimate it and consequently don’t study and still expect to ace it. I don’t think it’s getting any harder, people are just going into the exam less prepared. Half of the material is common sense, but there are definitely terms and models specific to the course that should be studied. I self studied this year with PR and REA Crash Course and various quizlet sets, I started learning the material two months before the exam and started hardcore studying in the week before the exam and I got a 5. It isn’t a hard AP, but you need to put some time in to prepare yourself just like you would for any other AP.