AP U.S. History Exam Changes for 2020
We’ve all heard the saying that those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat
it.
But you’ve smartly saved yourself from that fate by taking AP U.S. History.
Bravo!
Of course, you’re not fully out of the woods yet.
You still need to prove your knowledge of history by sitting for the AP exam (and getting
a great score)...and that’s probably why you decided to watch this video.
Here’s the deal: the AP U.S. History exam clocks in at 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Is it long?
Well, yeah.
It’s roughly an hour and fifteen minutes longer than the fastest marathon time.
What else could you accomplish in about three hours?
You could roast a 15-pound turkey.
Assemble something from IKEA (MAYBE)
Watch Gone With the Wind or The Godfather
But honestly, none of those things sound as satisfying as earning possible college credits.
(We’re nerds, we know — but if you’re watching this, you might be one too.)
Plus, by now, you’re an old pro at endurance-testing exams, so you can handle a measly three hours.
Now, the AP U.S. History exam is changing with the May 2020 administration.
We’ll get to exactly how.
But first, here’s what you need to know.
The test is broken down into two parts, with each containing two sub-sections.
Wondering why the College Board didn’t just divide them into four separate sections?
Now there’s a mystery on par with why First Lady Dolley Madison had a preference for oyster
ice cream.
Anyway, the first sub-section, Section 1A if you will, is multiple choice.
You’ll have 55 minutes to answer — coincidentally — 55 questions.
These questions are grouped together in sets of 3–4, and each set is based on one or
more historical texts, evidence, and interpretations.
These will include both primary and secondary sources (fancy!), maps, graphs, and other
assorted images.
All in all, the multiple choice will account for 40% of your overall score.
That’s nearly half!
So you’ll want to prep, like nearly half of your potential future 2 semesters of college
credits depend on it.
Luckily, with 55 multiple-choice questions, you’ll have a lot of opportunities to rack
up points.
Now we’ll move along to Section 1B...since that’s the next section.
It's also the section that was updated for the 2020 exam to be more closely aligned with
the skills taught in the AP U.S. History course.
Here you’ll have 40 minutes to tackle 3 short-answer questions.
This will account for 20% of your overall score.
Once again, you’ll be asked to analyze historical sources (including texts, images, maps, etc.),
interpretations and propositions.
The first question will focus on historical events or developments that occurred between
1754 and 1980.
Thanks for making that super narrow, College Board!
It will also include 1 to 2 secondary sources.
The second question also touches upon a historical development between 1754 and 1980 — that
same trusty timespan.
So how does this question differ from the first?
Well, question 2 will provide one primary source.
Of course, the fun really gets kicked into high gear with the third question.
That’s because you’re allowed to choose between two question options.
The first one will be centered around some historical process that occurred between 1491
and 1877.
The second one will pertain to an event between the years 1864 and 2001.
Neither question asks you to consult sources.
And now, my friends, we have arrived at the second section of the exam.
More precisely: Section 2A.
This will consist of a single, document-based question.
You’ll have an hour (which includes a 15-minute reading period), and your response will make
up 25% of your score.
This question provides seven different documents that offer a range of perspectives on a particular
historical event.
These can be a combination of written, visual, and quantitative materials.
After taking time to analyze these, you’ll be asked to develop an argument that’s supported
by the documents supplied.
The potential topic(s) will be focused on the time period from 1754–1980.
By now you should be expecting that!
All right, we’ve made it...to the last section.
In other words: the illustrious Section 2B — the long essay.
You’ll be given 40 minutes to craft your response.
This final section accounts for 15% of your score.
Naturally, you will have to analyze and explain an important issue within U.S. history.
And you’ll be required to construct a strong argument that’s bolstered by historical
evidence.
As a final gift — you’ll have the opportunity to choose from three potential questions.
The first will be focused on a historical development that occurred between 1491–1800,
the second from 1800–1898, and the third from 1890–2001.
No matter which question you choose, you must demonstrate a sound reasoning process.
This means tackling the four “Cs” — comparison, causation, continuity, and change.
If you clearly address these factors in your response, you’ll be awarded all of the possible
points.
(And in case you’re wondering: There are 6 of those.)
It sounds like a lot — but it’s nothing you can’t handle in 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Grab a copy of one of our new, updated-for-2020 AP U.S. History guidebooks.
You will love it!
Our Premium Edition features 5 full-length practice tests.
And our standard edition has 2 full-length practice tests.
Whatever you choose, you’ll get a comprehensive content review and a slew of practice tests.
And when May rolls around, you’ll be ready to earn that 5, and those potential two semesters’
worth of credit.
And, of course, our enduring admiration and respect.
Thanks so much for watching!
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