AP World History: Modern

Course Description

AP World History is an Advanced Placement course that explores global history from approximately 1200 CE to the present. Students analyze historical developments, themes, and processes across different regions and cultures, gaining a broad understanding of how societies have interacted and evolved over time.

The course emphasizes critical thinking, historical analysis, essay writing, and synthesis of diverse sources—skills essential for college readiness and global awareness.

Key Components:

Examination of major historical periods and global themes
Analysis of primary and secondary sources
Development of historical arguments through essay writing
Use of timelines and thematic connections across regions

AP Exam Details

AP World History: Modern concludes with a traditional end-of-course exam administered by the College Board. Students are assessed on their knowledge of world history from approximately 1200 CE to the present, 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 World History: Modern score.

Helpful Info

Overview of AP World History

Fiveable

5 Things to Know Before Taking AP World History

Freeman-Pedia

2024 Live Review

Marco Learning

AP World History: Modern Score Distribution

Steady improvement: The mean score increased from 2.88 in 2020 to 3.11 in 2024, peaking there before a slight drop in 2025 (mean not yet listed but likely close). The pass rate (score of 3 or higher) rose from 60.2% in 2020 to 64% in 2025.
Higher proportion of 4s: The percentage of students earning a 4 increased to 33% in 2025, the highest in the six-year span. Scores of 5 remained in the 9–15% range, with 14% in 2025.
Decline in low scores: The percentage of students receiving a 1 dropped from 19% in 2021 to just 9% in 2025, indicating stronger overall performance and fewer students at the bottom tier.

AP World History: Modern Forum

Welcome to the AP World History: Modern Forum — a collaborative space for students to explore global history from 1200 CE to the present. Whether you're analyzing primary sources, comparing civilizations, or sharpening your essay-writing skills, this forum is the place to ask questions, exchange ideas, and deepen your understanding of historical patterns and processes across regions and eras.

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Tips & Feedback

Use this section to share strategies for tackling SAQs, DBQs, and LEQs, get feedback on your thesis statements, and trade advice on studying timelines, vocab, and themes. Whether you’re reviewing for the AP exam or just trying to better organize your evidence, this is your space to grow.

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