Introduction
If you’re choosing between AP U.S. History (APUSH) and AP World History, you’ve probably heard debates about which one is harder. Both are among the most popular AP history courses, but they differ in scope, depth, and exam style.
Some students say APUSH is overwhelming because of the detail-heavy U.S. content, while others argue AP World is tougher due to its massive global scale. So which one is really harder?
In this guide, we’ll compare APUSH vs AP World across content, workload, exam format, and skills to help you decide which class is the right fit—and explain how RevisionDojo can help you succeed in either course.
Scope of Content
- APUSH: Focuses exclusively on U.S. history from 1491 to the present. The challenge here is the sheer depth of detail—specific court cases, presidential policies, reforms, and movements. You’re expected to know names, dates, and legislative acts in greater detail.
- AP World History: Covers thousands of years of global history, from ancient civilizations to modern times. The challenge here is breadth—you need to understand broad patterns, comparisons, and themes across continents and centuries.
Verdict:
- APUSH = more depth, less breadth.
- AP World = less depth, more breadth.
Workload and Memorization
- APUSH: Heavy on specific facts like the Homestead Act, Compromise of 1850, or the New Deal. You need to memorize lots of details to score well.
- AP World: Focuses more on patterns, processes, and themes (trade networks, empire-building, cultural exchanges). Memorization matters, but it’s less about tiny details and more about understanding trends.
Verdict:
- If you like memorization-heavy study, APUSH will feel more natural.
- If you prefer big-picture connections, AP World may suit you better.
Exam Format
Both exams include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short-Answer Questions (SAQs), a Document-Based Question (DBQ), and a Long Essay Question (LEQ).
- APUSH Exam:
- Multiple choice often involves graphs, charts, and detailed documents about U.S. history.
- DBQ and essays demand detailed factual recall.
- AP World Exam:
- Multiple choice tends to test comparisons and global themes.
- DBQs often involve analyzing a diverse set of documents (trade records, speeches, cultural texts) across multiple regions.
Verdict:
- APUSH requires deeper document analysis and detail recall.
- AP World requires strong comparative and thematic thinking.
Skills Tested
Both courses emphasize:
- Historical thinking skills
- Analyzing primary/secondary sources
- Crafting thesis-driven essays
However:
- APUSH pushes students to analyze deeply within one nation’s history.
- AP World pushes students to compare and connect globally.
Which Is Harder?
It depends on your strengths:
- Choose APUSH if:
- You enjoy American history and politics.
- You’re good at memorizing specific details.
- You want to prepare for future U.S.-focused classes like AP Gov or AP Econ.
- Choose AP World if:
- You prefer global perspectives and making cross-cultural comparisons.
- You like analyzing patterns instead of endless lists of facts.
- You want a strong foundation before taking APUSH or AP Euro.
Why RevisionDojo Makes Either Exam Easier
Whether you’re tackling APUSH’s detail-heavy content or AP World’s massive scope, RevisionDojo gives you the tools to succeed:
- Customized Study Plans: Tailored for either APUSH or AP World based on your test date.
- DBQ & Essay Training: Learn step-by-step how to analyze documents and write College Board-approved essays.
- Practice Quizzes: Test yourself on key periods and themes.
- Exam Simulations: Experience the pressure of the real exam ahead of time.
- Mistake Tracking: Identify where you struggle most and fix it before test day.
With RevisionDojo, you won’t waste time on generic resources—you’ll train with exactly what AP exams require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is more popular, APUSH or AP World?
A: APUSH is usually more popular in the U.S. since most schools require U.S. history. AP World is often taken earlier (sophomore year) as preparation.
Q: Is it possible to take both APUSH and AP World?
A: Yes, some students take AP World in 10th grade and APUSH in 11th. The courses complement each other.
Q: Which exam is harder to get a 5 on?
A: Historically, AP World has a slightly higher 5-rate, but APUSH has more grade inflation from teachers. Both require consistent practice.
Q: How should I choose between APUSH and AP World?
A: Consider your school’s sequence, your personal strengths (detail vs big-picture), and future AP classes you plan to take.
Q: What’s the best resource for preparing?
A: RevisionDojo—it’s the only platform that gives you structured APUSH and AP World practice aligned with the official rubric.
Conclusion
So, is APUSH harder than AP World? The answer depends on whether you find depth or breadth more challenging. APUSH requires mastering every detail of U.S. history, while AP World demands connecting global trends across centuries.
No matter which you choose, success comes down to consistent practice—and that’s exactly where RevisionDojo gives you the edge. By focusing on the skills the College Board actually tests, you can confidently aim for a 5 on either exam.
