<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Not a Substitution, but Quite Close
Review: For the better part of the school year- I didn't stay on top of my studies. I always went to class, but frankly, did'nt read from the assigned US History textbooks. Towards the end of the year, we began taking practice exams. I was getting an average of about a low 2. Quite discouraging. I then got this book, and on a rainly Saterday in May, I spent 10 hours and read the whole thing. My "mock" AP Exam scores raised drastically, to a solid 4.This book was my saving grace. Granted, I probably should have done more work throughout the year- but this book sure made up for it. If you're serious about getting a 5, well- you wouldn't be reading this review. You're most likely looking for a last second solution to this test. This is it. Today, (yes, this very afternoon) I took the 2001 AP US History exam. Obviously, I don't know just what I got yet, but I'm quite certain it was at LEAST a 3, which is probably what you're shooting for. Again, as most other reviews have said, this is not a substitution to the class. But this book pared with paying at least a little attention in class are a very quick solution to quick college credit. My highest reccomendation.
Rating: 
Summary: A good review book.
Review: I have used this and the AP European Test review books and I now swear by them for all my tests. It's impossible to review everything you've done before these tests and, if you're like me, your notes don't make a lot of sense several months after they were written. This is a concise review that covers all the important topics. Reading just the review will keep things fresh in your mind for the DBQ and Free Response sections. You cannot pass the test based on this alone--the review is not adequate for all the multiple choice, but I admittedly did not read my textbook and, using this, have twice scored a 4 (which is good enough for me...not that I deserved a 5 not reading the text at all). I highly recommend the Princeton series.
Rating:
Summary: It's the best one out there..
Review: Not sure if that says much, since the competition isn't fierce. This book definately has the best review out there, yet this book lands flat in several respects. First off, the DBQ and Essay instruction is not terrific, it could definately use improvement. Second of all, the multiple-choice questions seem to be much easier than the actual test. Ths is not a good sign, as it makes the test taken too confident of him/herself.
Still, if you're looking for an AP US History test book, go with this one (the newest version, I guess :P)
Rating:
Summary: Helped a lot!
Review: One can never predict what questions and what materials might appear on an AP exam. In the last few days before an AP test, any student will tell you, "cramming" as much information into your memory as possible is essential; it is your one last chance to review. This is where "Cracking the AP US History Exam" helped me; it surveys all of U.S. History, from John Smith to George Bush. Its summary and review were indispensible. As a companion to my class notes, it was instrumental in my performance on the exam.
Rating:
Summary: Helped a lot!
Review: One can never predict what questions and what materials might appear on an AP exam. In the last few days before an AP test, any student will tell you, "cramming" as much information into your memory as possible is essential; it is your one last chance to review. This is where "Cracking the AP US History Exam" helped me; it surveys all of U.S. History, from John Smith to George Bush. Its summary and review were indispensible. As a companion to my class notes, it was instrumental in my performance on the exam.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good but not great
Review: The history review isnt very detailed but you dont need details on the AP test. The writers focus on the main thematic elements of the respective time periods. The writing style is helpful beacause you see things as relating to a greater theme so essay questions are easier to think about and plan. I guess it doesnt get a 5-star rating just because it wasn't great, not because it was bad. I feel my review may be a bit biased; I maintained an A in AP US History the entire year, I recalled all information so I didn't even have to study historical facts, and I studied the night before. Basically, I would have been fine without a review book at all. I probably would have made a 4 or a 5 without studying at all, but I feel certain that after reviewing this book, I have made a 5. If youre like me and dont need to rememorize historical facts and just need a guiding hand with historical themes, then this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good but not great
Review: The history review isnt very detailed but you dont need details on the AP test. The writers focus on the main thematic elements of the respective time periods. The writing style is helpful beacause you see things as relating to a greater theme so essay questions are easier to think about and plan. I guess it doesnt get a 5-star rating just because it wasn't great, not because it was bad. I feel my review may be a bit biased; I maintained an A in AP US History the entire year, I recalled all information so I didn't even have to study historical facts, and I studied the night before. Basically, I would have been fine without a review book at all. I probably would have made a 4 or a 5 without studying at all, but I feel certain that after reviewing this book, I have made a 5. If youre like me and dont need to rememorize historical facts and just need a guiding hand with historical themes, then this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: This book doesn't try to cram your head full of non-stop facts. There are some good tips and an emphasis on the importance of knowing a time-period more than a certain event. For example: rather than remember President Harding remember that the 20's experienced a "Return to Normalcy". Which is a trend for the policies of at least two presidents during this era, (does corrupt gov't ring a bell?). If you're like me and panic about a test, get this book because it really is great. One part that went a long way in helping me on the subject of writing essays is on pg. 42, about writing the DBQ: "The question is probably the shortest thing you have to read on the DBQ. Take your time; savor it." I think this is very important because even the best of us worry and fret and rush through the directions, hence, we screw up, (or at least I do). I've taken to underlining key words and phrases in the question and going back and re-reading after every paragraph to make sure I'm on track answering what they really want. This book builds your confidence, calms you for the upcoming test, and refreshes everything you're *supposed* to have learned during the school year. Even if you, your teacher or both of you have been slackers. Each part has something useful, Part I informs you about the testing and what to expect, Part II has facts. It briefly reviews matters of historical importance, Part III has the sample test and its answers. There's a chapter summary for every chapter. So read through the book and check out the summaries when you're through. I haven't taken the test yet, it's in another week but I feel confident, relaxed and ready. If you take my advice and invest in this, then I hope you feel just as comfortable as I do, right up until the day I walk through the doors of the testing room with sweaty palms and my nails chewed down to stubs. This is a really long analysis but I hope I was successful enough in glorifying this book so that I can convince you to help me bronze it.
Rating:
Summary: The best refresher book out there....
Review: This book has everthing you need to know for the AP US. Also good to use as a guide through the class
<< 1 >>
| 
