Okay folks, here is my advice for all you who are starting your first AP classes this fall.
ORGANIZATION:
I suggest that you have a separate binder for each of your AP classes, or at least a separate section in a large binder. You’ll be getting lots of notes and the better organized you keep it throughout the year, the better off you’ll be when AP time comes around. And trust me, by then you won’t want to be saying “where did I put all those notes?” or “I know I have something about the Great Depression in here somewhere…” so keep you’re notebook up to date as much as you can. And make separate sections for notes, essays, terms, and whatever your teacher has for you.
NOTES:
I know that you can get outlines online, but it’s still a good idea to write your own notes. You can do this by taking notes as you read the chapter, take notes on your teacher’s lectures (or copy the board if she writes it down), or by using the outlines as a skeleton for your notes and fill in some more details. And try to keep your notes all in the same place and in order.
YOUR TEXTBOOK:
I have one piece of advice for you here.
READ IT!!!
That’s all there really is to it.
REVIEW BOOKS:
A review book is never a bad thing to have. Princeton Review make some good books, but you can look around at different ones and decide for yourself. I’m sure your teacher can make a recommendation. Review books have some information that your textbook may not, and they’re separated by subject as well as time period and usually don’t have the clever titles that are fun to read but hard to interpret. Some also come with practice tests which I suggest you take periodically.
STUDY HABITS:
You’re going to have to put a lot of time into your AP classes. You should for study at least 5 hours each week on your own. Reading your textbooks or notes is a good way to do it, and if you do a little each day then it isn’t a big deal. It will help you remember more if you study each day then if you try to cram it all into one day or night (like the day before or of your test/dbq/quiz:rolleyes: ).
I think that’s all the advice I have for now. Feel free to add in your own suggestions.
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"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
"But," say Man, "the Babel fish is a dead giveaway, isn't it? It could not have evolved by chance. It
August 20, 2007 - 19:02.
All right, it's that fun time of year. ANNUAL BUMP TIME!!! Here they are, at the top for the moment, just some advice for you.
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"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
"But," say Man, "the Babel fish is a dead giveaway, isn't it? It could not have evolved by chance. It
October 26, 2007 - 14:51.
my history test grades are soo bad i dont even wat to do anymore. i dont even know wat im doing wrong cuz i study really hard for those tests, more than normal ppl would. can u give me some test taking tips maybe or links to online history tests cuz it sounds like ur down with history. thanks
October 26, 2007 - 23:04.
You can try using the http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/henretta/default.asp?s=&n=&i=&v=&o=&ns=0...
That's the site that goes along with my book. They have quizzes, notes and all that. Definitely helped. You can also try looking up US history tests online. There are quite a few sites out there.
"If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?"
October 29, 2007 - 23:32.
My name is Rae and my AP US History teacher sucks! We have no real lessons. All we do is watch movies about the presidents and take tests. I'm very serious.I am a very smart student and I get all a's and high b's. What should I do? I'm already using 3 subject test books to supplement my test grades but they are still slipping. If this keeps up,I don't think I'll pas the exam in may.
November 12, 2007 - 00:57.
Does anyone know any good ideas for not falling asleep during my Us History lectures?
You do better if you Know better- Maya Angelou
November 12, 2007 - 19:55.
:o Alright I admit I took my first AP class last year and did quite well, however, this year my second year of American History has been horrible so far. Have any hints on test taking skills with these 'prickly' teachers??
greatly appreciate any advice becasue everything you said holds definitely true
November 12, 2007 - 21:42.
i would DEFINITELY second pianogirl's advice to READ YOUR TEXTBOOK! i did AP Bio last year and, although it's not history, reading the textbook was all that got me by. My teacher would only go over the book on the smartboard through the textbook company provided slideshows. Handwritten outlines of the chapters and flashcards really helped me and i'm using those same techniques for APUSH and its going pretty well for me, and i'm not even a fan of history.