Upcoming Ap season - history

By: Sophia Garcia and Jordyn Johnson

Each AP class is designed specifically to challenge students with college-level material. Each class is fast paced, rigorous, and work intensive. This can be a lot for many students balancing multiple AP’s or just figuring out their first. For our history courses at Estancia we offer AP Government & Politics, AP U.S. History, AP World History and AP Human Geography. AP exams are coming faster than you think and not many people know where to even begin studying. We asked our Teacher for tips and tricks to passing your AP History exams this May!

First, let’s meet the AP History Teachers: 

Meet Mr. G, the teacher for AP U.S Government & Politics for our Seniors as well AP Human Geography for our Freshman. AP Gov focuses on learning more about the U.S. government, current events and ways to participate in our democracy. In AP HUG you’ll explore population trends, cultural landscapes, and spatial patterns to understand how people interact with the environment. Mr G is committed to making things relevant to current events for better understanding. 

What would your recommendation be for studying and passing your AP class? 

Mr.G: The first thing I would say is that you should start to prepare now. AP tests are little more than a month away. It's better for you to space out your reviews than do it the day before. So I would say depending on the number of units you start now and do one unit a week. You can also review your notes, watch videos and study like that. 

What’s the best way you’ve seen a student prepare?

Mr.G: One of my students in AP HUG last year got a 5 and she told me she would teach her stuffed animals concepts. And clearly it worked, explaining something complicated in simple ways helps you remember. 

Mr. G stated in both AP classes he teaches, “students struggle to answer the verb in the question.” If the question asks you to “explain” they may describe instead. His advice is “They need to show what they know and not be nervous. Show off your knowledge!”

Meet Mrs Degante, the AP World History Teacher for our sophomores. AP World History Explores the rise and fall of empires, cultural and social changes, and global connections that have shaped the modern world. Expect student collaboration, class discussions, and projects. 

What would your recommendation be for studying and passing your AP class? 

Mrs Degante: I think Crash Course videos are really good. There’s so much covered but Crash Course videos go from basically the beginning of human history to present day. They’re pretty entertaining and cover most of the information you need.

Mrs. Degante suggests her students struggle with analyzing images the most. “Looking at images from the past and making sense of them is tough”. She also states “The class moves fast, and that can be stressful, so I know it was hard at times.” Her advice is to try and keep up with homework as well as read the sourcing for each image. 

And last but not least…

Meet Mr. Otero, the AP U.S History teacher for our juniors. In APUSH, you’ll dive into how the United States developed over time, examining key events, debates, and changes in society, economy, and citizenship. Mr. Otero suggests expecting a lot of work. He keeps his class structured so everybody knows what to expect every week while also making it fun with posters, group work, and connecting lessons to current events. 

What would your recommendation be for studying and passing your AP exams?

Mr. Otero: My recommendation is to start early. Study a couple of weeks before the test so you’re not cramming the night before. I always suggest watching Heimler videos. Work through all the units over a couple of weeks instead of trying to do it all in one night

What’s the best way you’ve seen a student prepare for their test?

Mr. Otero: The best approach I’ve seen is students making their own Quizlets or attending AP review sessions, which we’ll start in a couple of weeks. During review sessions, we go over major ideas and do extra assignments to make sure everyone is prepared.

Mr. Otero states his class struggles with organizing essays and writing them within the short time given. He says “Though, by the end of the year, most students are pretty solid, but in the beginning, it’s a process of practice.” 

Well students, take these tips into consideration when studying for your next AP. Remember they’re less than a month away. Start studying!