How to Succeed in AP European History
AP European History is a rigorous and rewarding course that takes students on a journey through centuries of European history, covering critical events, influential figures, and key themes that have shaped the modern world. To succeed in this class, it’s essential to combine effective study strategies, strong time management, and an understanding of how to approach both the content and the exam format. Here’s your ultimate guide to thriving in AP European History.
1. Understand the Course Structure
The AP European History course is divided into four main periods:
1450–1648: The Renaissance and Reformation.
1648–1815: Absolutism, Enlightenment, and Revolution.
1815–1914: Industrialization, Nationalism, and Imperialism.
1914–Present: World Wars, the Cold War, and contemporary Europe.
The College Board emphasizes thematic understanding over memorization of dates and names. The key themes include:
Interaction of Europe and the world.
Economic and commercial development.
Cultural and intellectual developments.
States and other institutions of power.
Social organization and development.
Make sure you grasp these overarching themes, as they’ll help you connect events across time periods and see the bigger picture.
2. Develop Strong Note-Taking Habits
Your class notes and textbook readings will be your main resources. To get the most out of them:
Be concise but thorough. Summarize key events, figures, and causes/effects rather than copying paragraphs.
Organize chronologically and thematically. Create timelines for major events and separate notes into themes like political changes or cultural movements.
Highlight key terms and concepts. Pay attention to bolded terms in your textbook and make flashcards for important vocabulary like “mercantilism,” “nationalism,” or “humanism.”
Use graphic organizers. Venn diagrams, T-charts, and flowcharts can help you compare events, systems, and ideologies.
3. Master Historical Thinking Skills
The AP European History exam doesn’t just test your ability to recall facts; it evaluates your historical thinking skills. Focus on developing the following:
Causation: Understand the causes and effects of major events, such as the French Revolution or the Industrial Revolution.
Comparison: Be able to compare different time periods, movements, or ideologies (e.g., Renaissance vs. Enlightenment).
Continuity and Change: Identify what changed and what stayed the same across centuries (e.g., the evolution of political systems in Europe).
Contextualization: Place specific events within the broader historical context to explain their significance.
Practice these skills regularly in your essays and class discussions.
4. Stay Ahead with a Study Routine
AP European History covers a lot of material, so consistent studying is crucial.
Review daily. Spend 15–20 minutes each day reviewing class notes and key concepts.
Use a study guide. Resources like Barron’s or Princeton Review are excellent tools for concise summaries and practice questions.
Practice timelines. Create detailed timelines to understand how events relate to one another across periods.
Start reviewing early. Don’t wait until the week before the AP exam to start studying. Space out your review over months.
5. Excel on the Writing Sections
The AP European History exam requires three types of essays:
Document-Based Question (DBQ): You’ll analyze a set of primary sources to answer a question.
Long Essay Question (LEQ): You’ll write a traditional essay responding to one of three prompts.
Short Answer Questions (SAQs): These are concise responses to prompts based on historical events, documents, or themes.
Tips for Writing Success:
For DBQs: Practice annotating documents quickly and grouping them into categories that support your thesis. Don’t just summarize the documents; analyze them and connect them to your argument.
For LEQs: Develop a strong thesis and structure your essay into clear, evidence-backed paragraphs.
For SAQs: Be direct and concise. Use specific examples to answer the question without unnecessary fluff.
6. Use Practice Exams
Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the AP European History exam.
Start with individual sections. Begin with multiple-choice questions to test your content knowledge and move on to timed practice essays.
Simulate exam conditions. Once you feel comfortable, take a full practice exam to build stamina and get familiar with the time limits.
Review your mistakes. Learn from incorrect answers and understand why the correct ones are right.
7. Watch Historical Content
Visual learning can help reinforce complex historical events.
YouTube Channels: Check out resources like CrashCourse, Heimler’s History, or Tom Richey for engaging and informative videos on European history topics.
Documentaries: Platforms like Netflix and YouTube often have documentaries on key topics like World War I, the Enlightenment, or the French Revolution.
8. Collaborate and Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it.
Form a study group. Discussing topics with peers can help you understand different perspectives and fill in gaps in your knowledge.
Talk to your teacher. They can provide clarity on challenging topics and give tips specific to the AP exam.
Work with a tutor. At Tutors & Friends, we specialize in helping students succeed in AP courses. Our experienced tutors can help you master the material and develop the skills needed to excel.
9. Stay Motivated
AP European History is a challenging course, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world and improve your critical thinking skills. Remember why you’re taking the course and celebrate your progress along the way.
Success in AP European History comes down to consistent effort, effective study strategies, and a willingness to engage deeply with the material. By mastering historical thinking skills, practicing your essays, and staying organized, you can excel both in class and on the AP exam.
If you’re looking for additional support, Tutors & Friends is here to help. Our experienced tutors can provide personalized guidance to help you succeed in AP European History and beyond. Contact us today to learn more!
