Preparing for the AP US History Exam: Strategies and Overcoming Exam Anxiety

How do you feel about the AP US History exam tomorrow? A lot of emotions can run high as deadlines approach, and it's essential to have a solid plan in place. I recently experienced a rollercoaster of feelings, from excitement to fear, as I prepared for my upcoming exam. Let's delve into my experiences and some effective strategies to help you manage your anxiety and ace the exam.

Study Group and Test Preparation

Today, I attended a study group in my first period instead of taking my Chemistry test. My teacher, Mrs. M, provided a wonderful alternative to help me stay on track with important subjects. After completing my English test, I dedicated additional time to reviewing Period 1 of AP US History (APUSH). This was a strategic choice based on feedback from last year's exam, where a curveball was thrown by an essay question on this period. Later in the day, I played Kahoot! with my APUSH class, a fun way to revisit material and prepare for the actual exam. Our final study session was scheduled after school, where we broke down the time periods and wrote about the most significant events. This hands-on approach proved to be very effective.

The Exam Process

After reviewing and revisiting the material, I started my exam preparation list for tonight. I still plan on focusing on key events such as the Jacksonian Democracy, the First and Second Mexican American War, the Spanish American War, and various strikes that occurred in factories during the Gilded Age/Political Paralysis. As the day progressed, I began to feel more confident overall, but my main concern was the LEQ (Long Essay Question) and DBQ (Document-Based Question). Having a limited time to complete these questions requires careful preparation and practice.

Overcoming Anxiety

While preparing, I hit a low point when I started overthinking about all the possible ways I could fail the exam. This led to a breakdown and a significant shift in my mindset. Now, I find myself in a deeply emotional state, turning to comforting thoughts and memories, such as reminding myself of how I love my teacher, Dan Howell. Emotions can be a significant factor in exam preparation, so it's crucial to address them directly. Here are some strategies to help manage anxiety:

Visualization: Imagine yourself acing the exam and the satisfaction it would bring. Visualization can be a powerful tool to boost confidence. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to stay present and calm. Support System: Have a support system in place, whether it's friends, family, or your teacher, and reach out for encouragement and advice.

Conclusion

Exam preparation and managing anxiety go hand in hand. By implementing effective study strategies and addressing emotional well-being, you can enhance your chances of success. Whether you're focusing on the LEQ, DBQ, or any other part of the AP US History exam, remember that the key is to stay organized, prepared, and confident. Good luck to all students who are preparing for this challenging exam!