AP Human Geography is one of the most challenging AP exams because of its volume of information and difficult FRQ questions. However, there are several things you can do to prepare for the exam and improve your chances of scoring a 5.

Set a Schedule

An organized study schedule is essential to your AP Human Geography Exam success. It allows you to keep track of your progress, identify areas that need additional review, and plan for the test day. The AP Human Geography Exam is two hours long and split into multiple sections. The first is a 60-question multiple choice section worth 50% of your overall score. The second section is three free-response questions worth seven raw points each. Both sections require an understanding of geographic theories, vocabulary, and maps. The multiple-choice section often asks students to use real-world examples in their answers, which can be difficult if you don’t understand the terminology. This is why the AP human geography study guide, for instance, making flashcards of key terms and phrases from your course, is essential. You can create your own or find a set created by other students. In addition to taking comprehensive notes in class and reading your textbook, consider using an outside review book to help you prepare for the exam. These books offer additional insights into the exam, such as multiple-choice practice questions and strategic breakdowns of FRQs. Additionally, they give you a good idea of what to expect on the test by providing sample questions and scoring guidelines.

Break Up Your Study Time

Like most AP courses, the AP Human Geography course can be a daunting experience. Many students who take this class have a hard time understanding the curriculum, how it’s tested on the exam, and how to study for it effectively. Fortunately, getting a five on the Human Geography AP exam is not as difficult as some may think, and it can be done with hard work, proper prep, and suitable study routines. Breaking up your study time into small chunks is essential for the AP exam. Spending too much time at one time on studying will make it very difficult to retain what you’ve learned.

For this reason, it’s best to take short practice tests throughout the year to get a feel for how much you have retained and how long it will take you to complete the entire exam. Reviewing past AP Human Geography exams to understand how the test will be structured is also a good idea. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the different geographic models and theories the exam covers. Often, the AP Human Geography multiple-choice questions will answer themselves (for example, MCQ #20 defines relocation diffusion; then MCQ #42 asks you to describe it). It would be best to capitalize on these moments of overlap when reviewing your AP Human Geography practice exam.

Avoid Procrastination

Incorporating studying into your everyday routine is one of the best ways to fight procrastination. It does not have to be a two-hour study session every day, but try to read over your notes after school or go through a deck of flashcards on your way home from sports practice. The AP Human Geography course has a reputation for being difficult, but it is not impossible to score a 5. A good study plan and proper preparation can make all the difference. Start by taking a full-length practice test to understand where you stand. Then, focus on your weak areas and improve each exam section. You have an hour to answer 60 multiple-choice questions on the AP Human Geography test, so spend time practicing time management skills. It is helpful to review model answers for the free-response sections of the exam. You can find these on the AP website and scoring guidelines for each question. Also, it is a great idea to practice writing responses to each question and swapping them with another classmate to get their feedback. Lastly, know the geographic models and theories inside and out. Many of the past FRQs and multiple-choice questions have focused on specific models and theories, so it is essential to be familiar with them.

Create a Study Environment

It’s essential to find a study space that works well for you and can be used during your study hours. For example, if you live at home and your family frequently stops by or uses the kitchen table, it may be best to find another study location that will allow you to focus without interruption. A library or study lounge is often more conducive to studying for students living on campus. Suppose you can join a study group. Studying alone can quickly become tedious and unproductive. Having others to discuss topics with, work with, and hold you accountable can be very beneficial. Also, try to take practice tests as frequently as possible. This will help prepare you for the AP Human Geography test and show you which areas to focus on. Read over the free-response questions and scoring guidelines before taking any practice tests. You can also use Varsity Tutors’ Learning Tools to study for the AP Human Geography exam, including Flashcards, a Question of the Day, and Full-Length Practice Tests to see where your knowledge gaps are before the big t st day. These resources are designed to be used together and can help you prepare to score your best on the AP Human Geography exam!

Jane