I’ve read REA’s Crash Course for APUSH three times now and took the released multiple choice from 2006. I scored a 72 out of 80, but is this an accurate indication of how I’ll do on the actual test? I noticed a lot of the wording on the test was EXACTLY the same as in Crash Course, since the book is based off of past tests. So anyone that’s taken the APUSH exam, how helpful was Crash Course? Can you score a 5 with only the information in it? Also, is it useful for the writing portion or would it be better to study other sources?</p>
<p>No the CC is not helpful for writing FRQ/DBQ. The only usefulness for CC is the MC part of the exam. Review major theme details to prepare for the FRQ and DBQ. AP graders want your opinion, ability, but more importantly, outside information. The CC is was too concise to provide any useful outside information.</p>
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<p>You’re remiss to make such a sweeping generalization as the Crash Course is “not helpful” for writing the FRQs. That is patently false; there is plenty of info in the Crash Course that someone could incorporate into one’s FRQs. </p>
<p>That said, for a very high score, you will likely need more details, such as what is contained in the Essential Content. But, one can certainly write halfway decent FRQs, on most topics, if they have a strong command of the content in Crash Course.</p>
<p>You probably won’t get a 5, unless you’ve been really paying attention in class. As I’m reading the crash course, I’m growing skeptical because it seems as though he’s basing the review only on the content found on past tests.</p>
<p>This book will probably help me do great on old practice tests, but I’m not feeling confident for the actual test.</p>
<p>Anyone have another book suggestion? Is it too late to try and read amsco?</p>
<p>if you can pull it off, try reading the amsco, that will definitely will helpful! I’ve ben reading it all year & fell pretty confident. I read the crash course & I still think that if you would be helpful on the mc. because college board recycles mc questions & they follow a certain pattern & format. but if you can definitely try reading the amsco, maybe not the whole thing but parts which you think you are a little weak at. if you think you aren’t confident with the Mexican American War, go ahead & read that in the amsco. do that for all your weak time periods or events in history. that way you’ll know what to write if there’s a FRQ or DBQ about it.</p>
<p>Congratulations Riffed! You have just become the #1 contestant for the nobel prize of stupidness. I clearly stated that the CC lacks details to do well on FRQ/DBQ. Your whole post contradicts itself. </p>
<p>“That is patently false; there is plenty of info in the Crash Course that someone could incorporate into one’s FRQs. That said, for a very high score, you will likely need more details, such as what is contained in the Essential Content.” There’s plenty of info in CC but you need more details? Sherlock, please GOML without your fancy gibberish. Nobody has time for eloquent posts.</p>
<p>My post doesn’t contradict itself at all. Reread yours: “the CC is not helpful for writing FRQ/DBQ.” The CC, in fact, has plenty of relevant information that one can incorporate into the FRQs, or for DBQ outside information. That is the point that I reiterated in my first paragraph above.</p>
<p>In my second paragraph, I also mention that the CC is not as detailed as, say, the Essential Content book, and thus, for a “very high score”, one may need to draw from other sources. However, there is a difference between a book “not being helpful” and not enabling one to achieve a “very high score”, and it appears you’ve missed that distinction.</p>
<p>Perhaps you don’t have time for eloquent posts, but some of us are just naturally articulate people. If you see language used in a way too sophisticated for you, don’t fret; we all develop at different rates, and perhaps one day, writing eloquently will come easily for you, as well!</p>
<p>I don’t want to start a ■■■■■ war but tell me about your grammar skills when you understand the purpose of capitalization. Your username could use some of your superb skills. #GOML</p>
<p>LOL. Yeah, because a username is a sentence. Good one!</p>
<p>Wow, guys. Can you not? Seriously, if you want to snipe at each other, please do it somewhere else. You’re not helping by doing it here.
I’ve heard that the Crash Course is really helpful, both on MC and FRQs, but mainly MC. I’m reading it right now, in fact, and it’s a great resource that effectively condenses and summarizes the key points you need to know. Obviously, it’s not enough for the essays, but that’s why you have other resources available to look at (namely, your textbook and other, more detailed, prep books).</p>
<p>I know it’s three days late but I want to call attention to the fact that someone used “#GOML” in an argument on the internet in 2013.</p>
<p>I am thinking of getting the APUSH Princeton Review 2013, Crash Course and the Barron’s flashcards. What do you guys think of that? Also, what do you recommend for the SAT? I’m not sure which one to get because there are too much brands. I’m thinking of probably College board?</p>
<p>For anyone taking the test this year, I did get a 5 only using Crash Course. Granted, there were a quite a few questions I had no clue about, but not enough to lower my score. Also, for the essays I just name dropped events and crap (which they say you’re not supposed to do) listed in Crash Course and fit them into my argument. It’s an awesome book; get it and memorize it if you plan to take the exam.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice booapush, I plan on following your lead as there is no time in my hectic life to actually have been paying attention all year.</p>
<p>I highly doubt the average APUSH student is as motivated as us CCers and will be reading through the whole book the week before the test like we are. Everyone will do fine.</p>
<p>I myself and placing my faith in AMSCO. After reading my textbook and then reviewing via the AMSCO book, I notice that there’s a lot of details missing that would really succinctly tie together that would make the book much better. It’s best used as a reminder to jog your memory of all that you read in your course textbook, not as learning material. </p>