Introduction: Can You Really Prep for APUSH in a Month?
Yes, you can! With the right plan, focus, and resources, one month is enough time to prepare for the AP U.S. History exam. APUSH is challenging because of the massive content (1491–present) and its emphasis on historical thinking skills, but by being structured and strategic, you can get ready for test day.
This guide will give you a 4-week APUSH study plan, along with tips, tricks, and RevisionDojo strategies for memorization, essay writing, and primary source analysis.
Week 1: Foundation and Review of Key Eras
Focus on getting the big picture of U.S. history.
- 1491–1607 (Pre-Columbian & Colonization)
- Native cultures, Spanish colonization, Columbian Exchange.
- 1607–1754 (Colonial America)
- New England vs. Chesapeake colonies, mercantilism, early self-government.
- 1754–1800 (Revolutionary Era)
- French & Indian War, Declaration of Independence, Constitution.
Tasks:
- Make timeline notes by period.
- Review major themes: politics, economics, society, culture.
- Complete 20–30 multiple-choice practice questions daily.
Week 2: Civil War, Reconstruction, and Expansion
APUSH loves the mid-1800s.
- 1800–1848 (Early Republic)
- Jefferson, War of 1812, Jacksonian Democracy, reform movements.
- 1844–1877 (Expansion & Civil War)
- Manifest Destiny, sectionalism, Civil War battles, Reconstruction amendments.
Tasks:
- Write one DBQ outline (no full essay yet).
- Practice short-answer questions (SAQs).
- Use RevisionDojo’s breakdowns for Civil War & Reconstruction.
Week 3: Industrialization, Progressivism, and World Wars
This week is heavy but crucial.
- 1865–1898 (Gilded Age)
- Industrial growth, labor unions, immigration, Populists.
- 1890–1945 (Progressive Era to WWII)
- Progressive reforms, WWI, Great Depression, New Deal, WWII.
Tasks:
- Practice analyzing primary sources (cartoons, documents).
- Write one DBQ essay timed.
- Drill key vocab (Sherman Antitrust, Wilson’s Fourteen Points, New Deal programs).
Week 4: Cold War to Present + Test Strategy
Final week = review and test prep.
- 1945–1980 (Cold War America)
- Containment, Civil Rights, Vietnam, Great Society.
- 1980–Present
- Reaganomics, end of Cold War, 9/11, globalization.
Tasks:
- Review Supreme Court cases & amendments.
- Write two full essays (DBQ + LEQ).
- Take a full-length practice exam.
- Use RevisionDojo’s essay-writing templates.
Daily Routine for One-Month APUSH Prep
- 1 hour: Review notes and flashcards.
- 1 hour: Practice multiple-choice questions.
- 30 minutes: SAQ or essay writing practice.
- 15 minutes: Review mistakes with RevisionDojo answer breakdowns.
Essay Strategy in One Month
You don’t need to write perfect essays every day, but you should:
- Memorize intro + thesis formula.
- Practice using historical evidence from memory.
- Use RevisionDojo’s Justification Writing Guide for DBQs/LEQs.
Tips for One-Month Success
- Focus on themes, not dates (politics, economics, society, culture).
- Use mnemonics for presidents, wars, and amendments.
- Review cause-and-effect chains (e.g., Great Depression → New Deal → WWII).
- Practice active recall (quizzing yourself, not just rereading).
RevisionDojo Advantage
RevisionDojo offers tailored APUSH prep — from condensed study guides to practice essay prompts. With daily drills, essay templates, and interactive timelines, you’ll maximize your 30 days and feel exam-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really cover all of APUSH in a month?
Yes — if you stick to a daily plan and focus on themes instead of memorizing every detail.
2. Should I spend more time on early history or modern history?
Modern history (1865–present) usually makes up more exam weight, so prioritize it.
3. How many practice exams should I take?
At least one full-length exam in the final week, with sections timed.
4. How do I write DBQs quickly?
Use RevisionDojo’s 3-step DBQ strategy: Thesis → Evidence → Analysis.
5. What’s the biggest mistake students make?
Spending too much time memorizing names/dates instead of focusing on themes and analysis.
