Took it last year and got a 2 mainly because I didn’t really pay attention in class! I used Crash Course and that was really good!
@evan241
I just got Barron’s last week. After reading through the examples of MC, I do think that some of them are pretty easy, but not super easy… After all, history isn’t my forte, and my school splits up the material over two years (they’re both just regular as well, not Honors or AP.) So, I’ll probably have to read the entire book through before I can take an actual practice test and tell you if it’s easy.
I tend to think that for people who like to memorize, the test is harder, because it focuses more on general concepts and relationships between cultures. If you’re good at these, geography, and writing, then you should be set for the test, as it’s not very detail-oriented (at least from what I’ve read so far). Good luck to you and all other AP World takers!!
So is Princeton Review better or Barron’s? I take APWH in school, but all we do is read the textbook.
Ahhhh! The exams’ in a month. I haven’t started studying yet because no one else at my school has. Now reading these posts are making me nervous. Better start studying!
@rdeng2614 I haven’t used Barron’s, but I had a good experience with the Princeton Review for this exam.
@athenanv13 Don’t worry, most people did not start studying until the week before here – all you really need to do is read through a review book at least once, and you will be okay!
Everyone taking this exam this year: You will be okay! I am not a social studies person AT ALL – I studied my butt off most of the year for tests, but I didn’t start reviewing for the exam until the week before. Even then, I only read through half of the Princeton Review. The half I did read was extremely helpful, as I found the exam pretty easy! I didn’t answer one of the FRQs because I freaked out and froze, but I still received a 4! Even if you don’t know the topic at all, write random stuff! There is a good chance you will say SOMETHING correct, and even if that only gets you a 3 on that essay, that’s okay. It’s better than a 0. Good luck everyone!
Here’s my problem with the prep books.
Most people who buy them are already taking a World History class. If you’re not, and just using the book as your textbook, then that’s fine. However, it’s unrealistic for the prep companies to believe that the average will manage to read through and memorize all of the information contained in the books (PR, Barron’s, etc.). I mean, they’re good for the strategies and the practice tests, but asking someone to learn all of that information in a month or so is just absurd. Now, I know that Barron’s has a shortcut for each chapter, but I find this to be TOO summarized, and it leaves out some important information.
Solution? Cram packets 
Here’s the link if anyone’s interested: http://www.scuc.txed.net/webpages/sjohnson1/ap_world_history.cfm?subpage=40858
It’s around 60 pages altogether, but it’s a solid, organized 60 pages that contains virtually all of the information you will need to get a 5. It’s divided into 5 sections. The cram packets are amazing in that they not only supply you with the information you need about each civilization, but they also draw some connections for you, which will come in handy on the FRQ.
This (APWH) is the only AP I’m taking this year, but I’ll also be taking some SAT IIs so I’m not going to have much time for this… I’ve barely started studying, lol. Good luck to you all!
Oh god guys I haven’t even started studying… freaking out ughh. I spent spring break visiting colleges and had no time to study… better get crackin on that Princeton Review book… sigh
Ugh I’m so nervous for the test! I really want to get a 5 but I’m scared that I won’t. I’ve started studying aside from my class, but all I’ve been doing so far is reading the shortcuts in my Barron’s prep book.
Hey guys!
I found the thread that just saved my life! http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/history-social-sciences/1368644-how-to-effectively-self-study-ap-world-history.html…It is amazing! Now I’m not as worried, because before I was just freaking out. Check it out.
Hello! The AP World exam is very soon and I am getting really nervous. I’m currently a sophomore in high school and this is my first ever AP. I’ve been studying since the beginning of March (really studious, I know) and I’ve been using the Barrons (I found the practice tests in the Barrons hard) and Princeton review books. I usually get a 45/70 on the multiple choice (not that good :(), but I’m really trying to get a 55/70 on the actual exam. As for the essays, I have no hope but to pray its on a topic I know fairly well. During the test, when in doubt, just let your tears pick the answer. :)))))
Any predictions on what the essay questions are gonna be on?
I hope its something on trade, World War 1 and 2, or decolonization.
How is your studying going?
I hope we all do very well on the exam. 
Does anyone have any links to practice exams for multiple choice mainly? If so, can you share them? Feel free to PM me if needed.
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You guys should have seen the 2012 WHAP test. The results nationwide weren’t so great. Honestly, when I got a 5, I was shocked. Probably could attribute that to the MC portion cause I did terrible on essays.
Anyway, some tips. Don’t rely on the prep books because like @LucidGman said, they’re too summarized. You’re gonna need some concrete info.
Remember PERSIA: Political, Economic, Religious, Social, Intellectual, and Artistic for your essay. And I’m pretty sure an easy point is to somehow tie the patriarchy into the your thesis.
My WHAP teacher was one my favorite teachers and constantly made us do short essays analyzing historical documents so familiarize yourself with the DBQs… remember, don’t ALWAYS take the source author literally. They could be sarcastic. Mention in your essay that maybe so and so was upset about so and so policy implemented.
@LucidGman Would you suggest reading through those cram packets first or to read through our prep books then go to those packets?
@sjwon3789 I would read/skim through the prep books to get a general sense, if you have time of course. I’m basically studying the cram packets and watching videos at www.getafive.com (it’s free) simultaneously, and I’m currently finishing up the 2nd of the 5 packets. The last three packets cover topics that I’ve actually learned this year (my school divides world history into 2 years) so I’ll probably start using my notes from class, and I’ll get through those quicker.
I’m not an expert on this at all, so please don’t rely on my word. I mean, I took one Barron’s practice test yesterday to see where I stand and I got 51/70, which isn’t too great. Granted, I have tons more studying to do.
My advice to people on the essays is LOOK AT THE RUBRIC! You get one point for having an “acceptable thesis.” You can basically write 2-3 sentences for an essay and still get 1/9 points, which is pretty good. If you take a look at the rubric for each essay, you should see that it is fairly easy to BS and get at least 3-4 points on each, if you know some general history. Again, don’t take this as fact please; it’s just my humble opinion.
Oh yeah, and I’m also skipping school the day before to last-minute cram and take a bunch of practice tests, so hopefully that helps me.
Good luck to all of us!
The exam is so close! Trying to cram what I can with the princeton review and getafive.com. (Really hate that I’m a slow reader!) I really hoping for a 5! I was praying that one of the essay prompts would be the classical empires (I love those!) but then I saw that last year’s cc was that! 
I’m really hoping one of the topics is globalization! As far as I looked, I couldn’t find any essay prompt on globalization. I mean globalization is easy! All you have to say is something about mcdonald’s according to getafive.com!
Can we please make a group chat so we can all give each other tips (and suffer together)
By group chat I mean a groupme anyone anyone
What is the average score you have to get on your essays and multiple choice to score a five? I heard that you should score an 80% on multiple choice and get a least in the 5-6 range for the essays? Is that true? I don’t know, a classmate who took it last year told me that. Or do you have to score higher on the essays?
God bless you! I just glanced at it and it was very insightful. I’ll surely check it out!