AP United States History

Course Description

AP United States History (APUSH) is a college-level course that explores the political, social, cultural, and economic development of the United States from pre-Columbian times through the present. Students analyze primary and secondary sources to understand historical contexts, interpret diverse perspectives, and construct evidence-based arguments.

The course emphasizes critical thinking, historical analysis, and persuasive writing—skills essential for success in college-level history courses and beyond.

Key Components:

Exploration of major themes and periods in U.S. history
Analysis of primary documents and historical interpretations
Development of coherent historical arguments using evidence
Practice with document-based questions (DBQs) and long essay responses

AP Exam Details

AP United States History concludes with a traditional end-of-course exam administered by the College Board. Students are assessed on their knowledge of U.S. history, their ability to analyze primary and secondary sources, and their skills in constructing historical arguments. The exam includes:

Multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of key events, developments, and historical thinking skills

Short-answer questions requiring analysis of historical sources and interpretations

A document-based question (DBQ) that asks students to analyze and synthesize information from multiple primary sources

A long essay question that requires students to develop a coherent argument on a given historical topic

These components are scored by the College Board and collectively make up 100% of the AP U.S. History score.

Helpful Info

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AP United States History Score Distribution

From 2020 to 2025, pass rates (scores of 3 or higher) steadily rose from 58.7% to 73%, with mean scores increasing from about 2.83 to around 3.25.
In 2025, 14% of students earned a 5, 36% earned a 4, and 23% earned a 3, bringing the overall 3+ rate to 73%, the highest in six years.
Overall, the trend shows consistent improvement, with lower scores (1s and 2s) decreasing from 41.3% in 2020 to 27% in 2025.

AP United States History Forum

Welcome to the AP U.S. History Forum—a space for students to discuss historical events, analyze primary sources, and prepare for the AP exam. Whether you’re working on document-based questions, essay writing, or thematic reviews, this forum is the place to ask questions, share insights, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts.

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Tips & Feedback

Use this section to exchange study strategies, get feedback on your essay drafts, and learn how to effectively analyze historical documents. Whether you're refining your thesis or organizing your evidence, this forum is designed to help you improve your skills and confidence throughout the course.

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