Can any former USSYP Alums tell me about what qualifying tests are like? I was recently nominated in Ohio and I am one of 50 students competing to get one of the highest scores on this test. Any study materials or information would be helpful. Also, would you recommend cramming a Princeton Review 5 steps to a 5 AP Gov book before the test? I don’t know how broad the information on the test will be.
Hi! I went to USSYP in 2015 for Nebraska. I went to a very small high school, one that did not have AP or IB classes, so I cannot confirm or deny whether AP Gov would be extremely beneficial or not, but in general any consumption of knowing how government works and current events (esp domestic) is helpful.
Being from different states, I can’t exactly predict what your test will be like, but here’s a sample test that’s generally what you should expect from the exam. https://wvde.state.wv.us/socialstudies/documents/SampleUSSYPTest_000.pdf
Just some basic advice: Read your government textbook from front to back, keep very up-to-date with current events, (I find that political podcasts are good for this), know political history, (major presidential candidates, “firsts” in history such as the first woman to hold a position, the Constitutional convention, etc…), and know your own state’s politics as I believe there’s a unique section for each state asking questions about your own state government.
I’m sorry I can’t give an extremely detailed explanation about the test, but like I said, it’s been years since I’ve taken it, and we are from different states so there could be a noticeable difference in exam content. I’m open to answering any further questions you might have, however.
What were the nature of current events covered? Are they more like, for ex., “Which candidate just lost this Senate race?” or ?
I’m applying from Kansas, does anyone have advice on the test? Are there interviews?
Hopefully I’m not too late on responding- most likely the former.
How was your test? I’m anxiously waiting for results now
@mel2019 my test went well, but my interview was iffy. i know i’m in the top 10 for my state but i haven’t heard back from them yet.