<p>I know it's a bit early to think about which AP tests to sign up in the '05-'06 school year, but I feel that I should not take the AP USH test, even though I am taking the class. I am more math and science oriented, and memorizing countless number of facts is the last thing on my list! Is it possible to get a 4 or 5 after the class, if I work hard and prepare several weeks before the test? I'm afraid that when it comes to the actual test, I will forget a lot of facts and details- especially dates. I have taken AP American Studies I (Start of American History to the Gilded Age), and I have already forgotten a great deal of information about the class. Help!</p>
<p>If you take the class you should take the test.</p>
<p>Honestly I have gotten 5's on all 3 history exams and I do not think the people that memorize random facts do the best on these tests. If you understand time periods and the concepts behind change over time in history it really works for AP tests. As long as you can write a structured 5 paragraph essay and understand the general concepts in each time period than a 5 is not out of the question.</p>
<p>Ryan said it pretty well. Let another Ryan (myself) add this in. I too am math and science oriented. But in math and science don't you also have to memorize little random facts (formulas, weights, symbols, processes)?</p>
<p>I think formulas, weights, symbols, etc. are given on a separate sheet during the AP exam (or at least for chemistry- the only one I have taken so far). Also, I just feel that science and math is more straightforward, and if I'm in doubt, I can rely on logic to figure out how to solve a problem (dimensional analysis, estimating, etc.)!</p>
<p>Then decide by seeing how well you do in the class.</p>
<p>I agree with the two Ryans. Learning the political, economic, technical, and social changes that have occurred over periods of time will benefit you much more on the AP History exam than learning a slew of dates. The former is lots more interesting, too.</p>