AP History exams are changing for the upcoming testing seasons. Affected tests are AP United States History, AP World History, and AP European History. Significant changes are being made to the free-response section, while the multiple-choice section remains unchanged.
The document-based question (DBQ) will remain the same, but will cover a broader range of time, providing test takers with a wider range of evidence to use throughout the course.
The largest changes are in the short-answer question (SAQ) and long essay question (LEQ). Originally, the SAQ had two questions with a stimulus (article or picture) attached, and then two more questions without a stimulus, but only one had to be answered. The SAQ section will now have only three questions, with all of them providing a stimulus. The stimulus for the third question will be a picture every time.
The LEQ originally gave students a choice between three different prompts, but now the LEQ is restricted to one prompt that all students must write. The new singular LEQ prompt will have a large, vague time period, while the old prompts were often specific and only covered a few decades.
Mr. Dassner, history teacher, said, “I think the LEQ might cause a bit of a problem, because I think it’s good when kids have a choice, depending on the level of expertise or preparation in the class. I always think it’s good to have a certain time period that you’re a little bit more comfortable with.”
Students who have already taken AP history tests and who haven’t taken any yet have opinions on the revisions. Jovanny Felix Luna, a junior, has taken the AP World History and AP United States History exams.
“I think these changes mean that the way in which we learn and study for the test has to change. You have to know everything, which I know is not ideal for most, but honestly, it’s an AP test. You should be prepared no matter what the tests give you.” Jovanny says.
Jovanny also believes that the revisions can be beneficial for students.
“I think the revisions are much better for the students. The final third SAQ, all has to come from your mind, but the addition of a stimulus item is actually quite beneficial. You no longer have to rely on memory, and you have a frame of reference unlike the LEQ.” Jovanny said.
Rylan Ganci is a sophomore who has not yet taken an AP history course, but plans to take AP United States history next school year.
“Everything depends on what the question is. Every year, there is a different prompt; sometimes it will be easier, and sometimes it will be harder,” Rylan said.
Mr. Dassner emphasizes the importance of review and paying attention in class, as well as the importance of the teacher being straightforward and informative.
“Ultimately, I think if kids are doing the right thing, doing the class work during the year, and the teacher is on task and on time, students should excel.” Mr. Dassner said.
