FOUR Tips on STUDYING For Your AP Exams (AP World, APUSH)
TLDRThe video script emphasizes the importance of adopting a skills-based mindset for AP exam preparation rather than solely focusing on content memorization. It outlines four key strategies: understanding the grading rubrics, taking practice exams, and effectively utilizing the Course and Exam Description (CED) for directed studying. The presenter also suggests avoiding textbooks in favor of the CED and engaging with a supportive community for further assistance.
Takeaways
- 📚 Adopt an AP Test Mindset: Focus on thinking historically rather than just recalling content.
- 🎯 Know Your Grading Rubrics: Understand how your skills will be evaluated, especially for DBQ and LEQ in AP World and APUSH.
- 🏫 Take Practice Exams: Regularly assess your skills and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
- 📈 Use the Course and Exam Description (CED): It outlines everything that could be on the exam and guides your study effectively.
- 📖 Ditch Your Textbook: At this stage, focus on materials that are more streamlined and exam-specific.
- 🔍 Learn Specific Historical Evidence: Use the CED to understand the big ideas and learn illustrative examples that demonstrate learning objectives.
- 📝 Focus on Skills, Not Just Content: Content is important, but it's the vehicle for demonstrating your historical thinking skills.
- 📅 Start Early and Stay Consistent: Begin practicing and reviewing early and maintain a consistent study schedule.
- 🤝 Join a Study Community: Engage with others who can provide support, like a Discord server dedicated to AP exam preparation.
- 📌 Use Review Materials Wisely: Choose review books or resources that align with the CED and exam objectives.
- 🚫 Don't Rely Solely on Memorization: AP exams assess your ability to apply knowledge, not just remember facts.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the video?
-The main focus of the video is to provide strategies for studying effectively for AP exams, emphasizing a shift from a content mindset to a skills mindset.
What does the 'AP test mindset' refer to?
-The 'AP test mindset' refers to an approach where students focus on developing the skills tested in the AP exams rather than solely memorizing content.
Why is it important to know the grading rubrics for the AP exams?
-Knowing the grading rubrics is crucial because it helps students understand how their work will be evaluated and what specific skills and elements they need to demonstrate in their responses.
How often should students take practice exams according to the video?
-The video suggests that students should take at least one practice exam per week to become comfortable with the format and the skills required.
What are the two types of rubrics mentioned in the video for AP World History and AP US History exams?
-The two types of rubrics mentioned are the DBQ (Document-Based Question) and the LEQ (Long Essay Question) rubrics.
What does the acronym 'CED' stand for and what is its purpose?
-CED stands for Course and Exam Description. It is a document provided by the College Board that outlines the content and skills that may be tested in the AP exams.
Why should students ditch their textbooks when preparing for the AP exams?
-Textbooks can be overwhelming at this stage and may contain more content than necessary for the exams. Focusing on the CED and other targeted resources is more effective for exam preparation.
How can students use the CED to guide their study?
-Students can use the CED to identify learning objectives, historical developments, and illustrative examples that are relevant to the exam. This helps them focus on the key concepts and evidence needed to answer exam questions effectively.
What is the significance of the 'Illustrative Examples' section in the CED?
-The 'Illustrative Examples' section provides examples of historical evidence that can be used to support the big ideas or themes in the exam. Students should familiarize themselves with these examples to effectively demonstrate their understanding of the learning objectives.
What additional resource is suggested for students who need help with their AP exam preparation?
-The video suggests joining a Discord server with a community of people who can help answer questions and offer study support through voice chats and discussions.
How can students ensure they are studying the right content for the AP exams?
-Students should align their study materials and resources with the CED and focus on the learning objectives, historical developments, and illustrative examples provided in it to ensure they are covering the relevant content for the exams.
Outlines
📚 Preparing for AP Exams: Mindset and Strategy
This paragraph introduces the video's purpose, which is to guide students on how to study effectively for their AP exams, specifically AP World History and AP US History. The speaker emphasizes the importance of adopting an AP test mindset over a content mindset, arguing that the exams are designed to test historical thinking skills rather than mere recall of facts. The speaker also promises to release daily videos leading up to the exams and encourages students to subscribe for more tips. The key message is to focus on developing the skills required for the exam, understanding the grading rubrics, and using practice exams to refine these skills.
🎯 Understanding the AP Exam Structure and Content
In this paragraph, the speaker delves into the specifics of how to study for the AP exams, starting with understanding the grading rubrics for the DBQ and LEQ, which are critical for the essay portion of the exam. The speaker stresses the importance of knowing what the examiners are looking for in terms of contextualizing arguments and developing a strong thesis. The paragraph also covers the significance of taking practice exams regularly to familiarize oneself with the exam format and to identify areas of weakness. Additionally, the speaker advises students on where to find good practice exams and how to use them effectively. Lastly, the speaker discusses the importance of knowing the content to demonstrate the required skills during the exam, suggesting strategies for efficient content review and study.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡AP Exams
💡Test Mindset
💡Grading Rubrics
💡Practice Exams
💡Content Mindset
💡Soccer Analogy
💡CED (Course and Exam Description)
💡Skill Demonstration
💡Ditch the Textbook
💡Illustrative Examples
Highlights
Emphasizing the importance of adopting an AP test mindset over rote memorization of content.
The AP exam tests the ability to think historically, not just to recall facts.
Students should focus on developing skills rather than solely on course content.
Understanding the grading rubrics is crucial for success in AP exams.
The DBQ and LEQ rubrics are key for the AP World and US exams.
Practice exams are essential for familiarizing oneself with the exam format and honing skills.
Taking practice exams weekly can greatly improve comfort and skill with the exam structure.
Good practice exams can be obtained from teachers or review books like Barron's or Princeton Review.
Content knowledge is necessary, but it should be used to demonstrate historical thinking skills.
The Course and Exam Description (CED) is a vital resource for guiding study and understanding exam content.
The CED outlines everything that could be on the exam, and no question will be outside of it.
Using the CED effectively involves focusing on learning objectives and historical developments.
Illustrative examples in the CED provide a way to understand the big ideas and how to support them with evidence.
For APUSH, students may need to supplement the CED with additional resources due to the lack of illustrative examples.
Joining a supportive community like a Discord server can be beneficial for overcoming study challenges.
The speaker offers an Ultimate Review Packet to help with AP exam preparation.
Subscribing to the channel will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the AP exam season.
Transcripts
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