How to effectively study for the AP European History exam?

Test Preparation AP History & Social Sciences
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Hi,</p>

In our AP Euro class, all we do is take notes that outline the chapters of our textbook (History of the Modern World, Palmer). He also gives us practice DBQ’s to write (about 2 per quarter). We don’t have tests or quizzes. He has left reading the textbook entirely up to us, and I haven’t even started to read it yet. I bought Barron’s AP European History review book, but I head mixed reviews about it. Is it good? Do I really have to read the entire textbook, or should I just read the notes that I take in class and the review book? The textbook is pretty large (over 1,000 pages), so. Does anyone have any review books or any methods of preparation to recommend to me? Any stories of experiences with the AP Euro test? </p>

Thanks,
Brooke</p>

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<p>Try this online resource: [AP</a> European History - Subject Guide](<a href=“http://www.learnerator.com/ap-european-history/subject-guide]AP”>http://www.learnerator.com/ap-european-history/subject-guide)</p>

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<p>In terms of studying, you need to find what works best for you. AP Euro is like any other history class, only more difficult and more in depth. It’s VERY important to know what’s happening in different parts of the world at the same time (the information gets maddening) and to be able to connect ideas and themes with the historical events. You need to be able to know the little details AND see the big picture simultaneously. For example, don’t just know what happened during the French Revolution, but also understand that it is the catalyst, the beginning, of European society’s movement away from absolute monarchy and toward secularization, and that the ideas of the Enlightenment helped drive the French Revolution.</p>

<p>Barron’s AP Euro is good only if you want general, big-picture summaries. If you feel as though your class notes and what your teacher tells you are sufficient, then Barron’s will probably be fine for you. However, if you think you’ll need more detailed explanations of events, people, ideas, etc. When I was studying for the AP exam, I used Barron’s in conjunction with a highly detailed review book (the Bible-sized prep book by REA, which I did NOT read cover to cover) and my class notes. So it depends on what your needs are.</p>

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<p>Thx, that’s really helpful for self-studiers</p>