Self-Studying AP World History

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I'm currently in the process of self-studying AP World History. The books I have are Kaplan's AP World History and Barron's SAT World History (because I also plan to take the SAT). Going through these books, I haven't seen a real value in the Kaplan, but I've noticed that the Barron's SAT is really detailed, so I'm using that book mainly for studying for the AP.</p>

<p>But I've heard that the Barron's AP World History is the best book to self-study this course with. So the question is, can I continue with just by Barron's SAT or should I buy the Barron's AP as well?</p>

<p>Thanks so much.</p>

2

<p>Personally I suggest Princeton Review for the AP. I didn’t take the SAT, so I can’t comment on that</p>

3

<p>In my perspective, I wouldn’t recommend PR for self-study. I used that study guide to study for the AP World History and I did not like it because it was way too concise. I believe what got me a 5 was my school history book. Since I heard that Barron’s is similar but shorter than a textbook, I think that study guide is the way to go.</p>

4

<p>i agree with jerrry4445 about the PR book. i read a little bit of it for review, but mostly just used the strategies for writing essays. i earned a 5, but i think that was because i got lucky/knew how to write/knew what mattered on the essays. i knew at least a few specific peices of SFI and was able to quickly do some BSing of the big picture. my teacher really focused on training us for the essays, so i would suggest checking out the barrons AP book because it will focus on those things that are specific to an ap test. and make sure to practice timed essays on your own to review concepts. </p>

<p>jerrry4445, what book did you use? i don’t necessarily think my text was a huge advantage (bulliet), but my teacher was able to use it well…</p>

<p>by the way, i have 2 more pieces of advice:

  1. write the last essay first. it’s usually graded more rigorously than the others because most people never get to it! my teacher has been flying out to grade ap world tests for a few years now, so trust me on this one. besides, i wrote the last essay first : )
  2. reread the questions (especially essays)!! the fact that i read ‘racial ideologies’ correctly (instead of radical) made a huge difference. not to mention it just happened to be the last essay ; )</p>