AP U.S. History Study Hub
Master American history from 1491 to present with comprehensive study notes, interactive flashcards, and challenging quizzes for all nine units. Everything you need to ace the AP exam!
Study by Unit
Period 1: 1491–1607
Period 2: 1607–1754
Period 3: 1754–1800
Period 4: 1800–1848
Period 5: 1844–1877
Period 6: 1865–1898
Period 7: 1890–1945
Period 8: 1945–1980
Period 9: 1980–Present
📅 Upcoming AP U.S. History Exam Dates
2026 Exam Date
Exam Duration
Exam Fee (2026)
🗓️ Important Registration Deadlines for 2026
📋 AP U.S. History Exam Format
Section I - Part A (55 minutes, 40% of score): 55 multiple-choice questions covering all 9 periods of U.S. history
Section I - Part B (40 minutes, 20% of score): 3 short-answer questions analyzing primary and secondary sources
Section II - Part A (60 minutes including 15-min reading, 25% of score): 1 document-based question (DBQ) analyzing 7 historical documents
Section II - Part B (40 minutes, 15% of score): 1 long essay question with 3 prompt choices
🎓 College Credit & Placement
Most colleges and universities award credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP U.S. History scores. Requirements vary by institution.
| AP Score | Qualification | College Credit Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | Credit at most colleges (3-8 semester hours) |
| 4 | Well Qualified | Credit at many colleges (3-6 semester hours) |
| 3 | Qualified | Credit at some colleges (varies widely) |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | Rarely qualifies for credit |
| 1 | No Recommendation | No credit awarded |
💡 Pro Tip: Check your target college's AP credit policy. Many selective universities require a 4 or 5, while others accept a 3 for credit or placement.
✨ Important Course Information
- Course Prerequisites: None required, though strong reading and writing skills are recommended
- Recommended Preparation: Successful completion of U.S. History or equivalent coursework
- Course Level: College-level introductory U.S. History equivalent
- Typical Credit: 3-8 semester hours (equivalent to a one or two-semester college survey course)
- Historical Thinking Skills: Focuses on 6 key skills including causation, comparison, continuity and change, contextualization, sourcing, and argumentation
- Thematic Learning: Explores 8 major themes throughout American history including identity, work and technology, geography, migration, politics, America in the world, culture, and social structures
- Source Analysis: Emphasizes interpretation of primary sources, historical documents, images, maps, and data
- Writing Requirements: Extensive practice with historical writing including DBQs, long essays, and short-answer responses
- Study Time: Expect 4-6 hours of homework per week outside of class
- Success Rate (2024): Approximately 48% of students scored 3 or higher on the AP U.S. History exam