AP World History is a challenging academic class that analyzes human culture and society over time. It’s an opportunity for students to take a special college level learning experience that may lead to possible university credit in the future. Advanced placement helps students to develop critical thinking skills to flourish the ability to absorb masses of material rapidly and to write clear essays. If you are trying to decide whether you should take AP world history, here are some tips:

Tip #1: Read the textbook

I cannot stress how important it is to read the textbook! When you receive your textbook, you’re probably going to be a little overwhelmed at first. It’s filled with so much knowledge you think ‘how am I possibly going to fit all of this into my brain?’. Trust me on this one, it’ll be worth it. Not only will reading the textbook help you understand topics that you’ll talk about in class, it’ll also aid you in getting better quiz scores.

Tip #2: Learn to manage your time

At the beginning of each six weeks, you’ll receive a menu of things to complete by the end of the grading cycle. You may think that this is great, you won’t have to do anything for six weeks, and then you’ll do it the night before. Easy, right? Wrong. Budgeting your time is important. If you know that you have plans on certain days, then schedule your homework time around them.  DO NOT wait until the last minute, because you will feel more stressed and rushed. It will also help you with time management skills that you’ll need in your adult life.

Tip #3: Do the chapter guides/take notes

All quizzes in WHAP are open-note, and are taken for a grade. I would highly recommend filling out the chapter guide given to you as opposed to free-handing your own notes, because a lot of students who take the more independent route end up writing about unimportant things that don’t even show up on the quiz. The chapter guides are there to give you a taste of what will be on the quiz, and it follows along with the textbook so that you can read and answer the questions at the same time.

Tip #4: Take advantage of tutorials

Teachers are there to help you correct mistakes and prepare you for the challenges you will face in the class, as well as in future AP courses. If you are having trouble with the way you take notes, or wondering why you aren’t scoring a high enough grade on an essay, go in and ask them what you can do to do differently. They will appreciate that you are taking the time to better yourself, and will offer as much help as they can. You’ll build a good relationship with your teachers, and become a better student in the long run.

Tip #5: Watch the crash course videos

John Green give a fast-paced version of the WHAP curriculum in 42 videos on his Youtube channel: Crash Course World History. These videos are very helpful if you don’t understand what you’re learning about in class. He explains the material in a comical yet informational way, that makes learning entertaining. The Crash Course videos are also an extra-credit opportunity, as taking notes over them will earn you some points in the gradebook.