AP US History exam-day guide
AP US History · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Acceptable photo ID, if required
needs_review: confirm the exact ID rule with your AP coordinator or testing provider; bring the original document, not a photocopy, if ID is required.
Two sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers
Use for multiple-choice bubbling and any pencil-permitted work; keep spares accessible.
Two pens with black or dark-blue ink
Use for free-response writing; check that both write smoothly before exam day.
Simple backup watch, if permitted
needs_review: confirm whether a watch is allowed at your site; do not bring a smartwatch or any watch with alarms or communication features.
Snack and water for the scheduled break
Store them as directed by the proctor; eat lightly so you stay comfortable during the test.
Testing location, room, start time, and arrival time
Confirm these with your school or testing provider in advance and plan transportation with extra margin.
Approved accommodations confirmation, if applicable
needs_review: confirm with your AP coordinator that approved accommodations are in place and that you know how to identify yourself on exam day.
A timing plan for each section
Know the structure: multiple-choice, short-answer, document-based question, and long essay each have different pacing demands.
A rubric-focused review sheet or mental checklist
Review thesis, contextualization, evidence, sourcing, complexity, and answer-all-parts habits rather than trying to learn new content at the last minute.
A plan to leave prohibited electronics behind or stored
Phone, smartwatch, and other electronic devices must be off and stored as directed; do not keep them on your person during testing.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics with your AP coordinator or testing provider: location, arrival time, ID rule, permitted materials, and any approved accommodations. Resolve uncertainties now rather than on exam morning.
Do one timed section or a shortened timed set under quiet conditions. Review errors by category: content gap, misread question, weak thesis, missing evidence, or poor pacing.
Review the exam structure and your personal pacing benchmarks. For multiple-choice, aim for steady progress and flag uncertain items to revisit; for written answers, practice planning before writing.
Stop broad new-content cramming. Use short review cycles on major themes, causation, continuity and change, comparison, and evidence you can explain clearly.
Pack pencils, pens, ID if required, accommodations confirmation if applicable, snack, water, and any permitted watch. Lay out clothes and confirm transportation.
Review rubrics and a few strong examples of thesis statements and evidence use. Keep the review short; protect sleep and avoid all-night studying.
Set two alarms and confirm the start time. Decide what you will eat for breakfast and how you will avoid rushing.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early, and leave prohibited electronics stored or behind. Use waiting time to review your timing plan and rubric checklist, not to cram new facts.
Listen carefully to proctor instructions, confirm that your name and identifying information are correct, and organize pencils, pens, and answer materials before time begins.
For multiple-choice, answer every question, mark uncertain items, and return only if time allows. Keep bubbling aligned with question numbers.
For short-answer questions, answer every part explicitly and concisely. Use specific evidence and explain how it supports your claim rather than listing facts.
At the scheduled break, eat and drink, use the restroom if permitted, and avoid discussing exam content. Return promptly when the proctor directs.
For the document-based question, use the reading/planning period to form a thesis, group documents, and plan outside evidence. Integrate documents as support rather than summarizing them one by one.
For the long essay, choose the question you can support with the strongest evidence. Write a clear thesis, organize body paragraphs around your argument, and connect evidence to the prompt.
In the final minutes, check that no required question or part is blank, that labels match the questions, and that handwriting is legible. Make any last corrections neatly.
Rules to check
Follow all proctor instructions promptly. Ask before leaving your seat, opening materials, or doing anything the proctor has not authorized.
Carry and display acceptable photo ID if your testing site requires it. needs_review: confirm the exact ID policy with your AP coordinator or testing provider before exam day.
Do not use or keep accessible any phone, smartwatch, wearable technology, notes, or unauthorized materials during testing. Store devices as directed and keep them off.
Do not discuss, record, photograph, or share exam content during the test or during breaks. Maintain academic integrity at all times.
Take breaks only when the proctor permits them, and remain in the designated break area. Confirm break rules and timing with the proctor rather than assuming.
On multiple-choice questions, there is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question. On free-response questions, write legibly, label parts clearly, and address every required component.
Free-response scoring uses rubrics that reward a clear thesis, effective use of evidence, and accurate explanation. Partial credit is possible, so attempt all parts even if your answer is incomplete.