The AP US History Exam (APUSH) is one of the most challenging AP tests, but also one of the most rewarding. It measures your ability to analyze historical documents, make connections across time periods, and write clear, evidence-based essays.
Whether you’re aiming for a 5 or just looking to pass for college credit, this guide will walk you through exam structure, topics, scoring, and preparation strategies to help you succeed.
APUSH Exam Format
The APUSH exam lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes and has two main sections:
Section I — Multiple Choice & Short Answer (60% of score)
- Part A: Multiple Choice
- 55 questions in 55 minutes
- Stimulus-based (documents, maps, charts, political cartoons)
- Part B: Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
- 3 questions in 40 minutes
- Assess analysis, comparison, and historical argument skills
Section II — Free Response (40% of score)
- Document-Based Question (DBQ)
- 1 question in 60 minutes (includes 15 minutes reading time)
- Uses 6–7 primary/secondary sources
- Long Essay Question (LEQ)
- 1 question in 40 minutes
- Choice of three prompts from different periods
Key Historical Themes on the APUSH Exam
The exam covers nine time periods, from 1491 to present, with an emphasis on:
- Politics and Power
- American and National Identity
- Work, Exchange, and Technology
- Culture and Society
- Geography and the Environment
- America in the World
- Migration and Settlement
Scoring Breakdown
- MCQs: 40%
- SAQs: 20%
- DBQ: 25%
- LEQ: 15%
A score of 3 or higher is typically considered passing and may earn you college credit.
Proven APUSH Exam Study Strategies
- Know the Rubrics: Understanding DBQ and LEQ scoring criteria is essential.
- Use Timelines: Connect cause-and-effect relationships between events.
- Practice with Primary Sources: Get comfortable analyzing historical documents.
- Memorize Key Dates & Terms: But also focus on why events happened.
- Do Past Papers: Time yourself under exam conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing essays without a clear thesis
- Ignoring outside evidence in DBQs
- Mismanaging time between MCQ and FRQ sections
- Relying only on memorization without historical thinking skills
FAQ – APUSH Exam
1. How hard is the APUSH exam?
It’s considered one of the harder AP exams due to content volume and essay writing, but with the right strategy, it’s manageable.
2. How should I study for the DBQ?
Practice analyzing sources and integrating outside knowledge into your argument.
3. How many essays are on the APUSH exam?
Two — one DBQ and one LEQ.
4. What’s the best way to memorize historical facts?
Use timelines, flashcards, and thematic groupings.
5. How is the APUSH exam graded?
MCQs are machine-scored; FRQs are scored by AP readers using rubrics.
6. Can I bring notes to the APUSH exam?
No — only pens, pencils, and approved calculators (though calculators aren’t needed).
7. When is the APUSH exam?
Usually during the first two weeks of May; check the College Board schedule.
8. What’s the average pass rate?
Around 48–55%, depending on the year.
Turn Your APUSH Score Into College Credit
Your APUSH score can earn you credits and boost your university applications — if you know where to apply.
🎯 Take the University Match Quiz to see which schools value your APUSH score most.
🌍 Browse the Universities Directory for admission policies, rankings, and more.
