Introduction
Many students panic when they realize they only have one month left before the AP U.S. History (APUSH) exam. With thousands of historical details, essays, and multiple-choice questions, it can feel impossible to master in 30 days.
But don’t worry — with the right strategy and resources, you can maximize your study time and walk into test day confident. In this guide, we’ll give you a 4-week APUSH crash course, showing you what to prioritize, how to structure your days, and why RevisionDojo is the best platform to sharpen your skills.
Step 1: Understand the APUSH Exam Format
Before diving into content, know exactly what you’re up against:
- Section I (Multiple Choice & Short Answer)
- 55 multiple-choice questions (40% of score).
- 3 short-answer questions (20% of score).
- Section II (Free Response & DBQ)
- 1 Document-Based Question (25% of score).
- 1 Long Essay Question (15% of score).
Why this matters: You don’t need to memorize every fact. You need to recognize patterns, analyze documents, and connect major themes.
Step 2: The One-Month Study Plan
Week 1: Foundation & Periods 1–4 (1491–1848)
- Focus on early colonization, American Revolution, Constitution, and Jacksonian Democracy.
- Memorize key Supreme Court cases (Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland).
- Use RevisionDojo’s timeline tools to visualize developments.
- Do at least 25 multiple-choice practice questions daily.
Week 2: Periods 5–6 (1844–1898)
- Civil War, Reconstruction, Gilded Age.
- Prioritize causes of the Civil War and effects of Reconstruction policies.
- Write 2–3 practice SAQs this week.
- Revisit themes of slavery, federal vs. state power, and industrialization.
Week 3: Periods 7–8 (1890–1980)
- Progressive Era, WWI, Great Depression, WWII, Cold War.
- Master continuity and change themes (e.g., foreign policy shifts).
- Practice DBQs (at least one full essay this week).
- Use RevisionDojo’s essay outlines to speed up planning.
Week 4: Period 9 + Review (1980–Present)
- Reagan Revolution, globalization, post-Cold War America.
- Focus on major political debates and cultural shifts.
- Take 2–3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
- Review weak areas daily using RevisionDojo’s flashcards.
Step 3: How to Study Each Day
- Morning: Review notes for one APUSH period.
- Afternoon: Practice MCQs and SAQs.
- Evening: Write outlines for essays (DBQ or LEQ).
- Night: Use RevisionDojo’s spaced-repetition system for terms.
Step 4: Focus on High-Yield Topics
The College Board consistently emphasizes:
- Colonial foundations (Spanish vs. English colonies).
- Constitutional debates (Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists).
- Civil War causes and effects.
- The New Deal.
- Cold War foreign policy.
- Civil Rights Movement.
Instead of memorizing every date, learn causes, effects, and connections between events.
Step 5: Essay Strategies
DBQs
- Always group documents by theme.
- Include outside evidence for full credit.
- Use contextualization + thesis in your intro.
LEQs
- Choose the prompt you know best.
- Use the CCOT or Causation framework for clear structure.
- Always include specific examples.
Step 6: The RevisionDojo Advantage
RevisionDojo is built for last-minute APUSH prep. With one month left, you’ll save hours of stress:
- Condensed study guides for each APUSH period.
- Flashcards that target high-yield facts.
- Essay practice templates with scoring rubrics.
- Timed practice tests that mimic College Board exams.
Unlike generic review sites, RevisionDojo is designed to help you score higher in less time.
Conclusion
Studying for APUSH in one month is intense, but entirely possible with the right plan. By focusing on major themes, practicing essays, and using RevisionDojo, you can avoid overwhelm and walk into test day with confidence.
Don’t waste time trying to memorize every detail — master the patterns, practice writing, and trust the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really get a 5 on APUSH if I only study for one month?
A: Yes — if you focus on themes, practice essays, and use structured tools like RevisionDojo.
Q: Should I read my entire textbook in one month?
A: No. That’s unrealistic. Instead, use condensed notes and guides that highlight what’s tested most.
Q: How many practice exams should I take?
A: At least 2–3 full-length exams in the last two weeks.
Q: What’s the best way to prepare for DBQs?
A: Practice grouping documents, adding outside evidence, and writing under timed conditions.
Q: Where can I find the best crash-course study materials?
A: RevisionDojo provides targeted APUSH resources built for last-minute review.
