Scoring high on the AP U.S. History exam offers college credit and tuition savings opportunities and promotes a deeper understanding of American history.
Comparison of Top AP U.S. History Review Courses
Choosing the right APUSH exam review course can make all the difference. Below, we list features, strengths, and limitations of popular options to guide your decision.
| Prep Provider | UWorld | Princeton Review | Kaplan | Prep Scholar | Albert.io |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Questions | 400+ with detailed answer explanations | 460+ | No specific set | No specific set | 1,700+ with answer explanations |
| Video Lessons | 100+ | Pre-recorded group tutoring session replays | Outdated | Outdated | Outdated |
| Progress Tracking | Dynamic performance tracker with analytics and score predictions | Basic score reports | Basic tracking | Limited targeted feedback | Basic tracking |
| Study Resources |
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| Customizability | High | Limited | None | High | Limited |
| Standout Features |
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| Price | $149 for all-in-one, on-demand prep course | Starts at $499 for live sessions on fixed schedule | $399 for scheduled live sessions | Starts at $480 for fixed weekly tutoring sessions | $19-$79 for question bank only |
Why UWorld is the Best AP U.S. History Review Course
UWorld delivers a comprehensive and interactive AP U.S. History online course experience. With expertly crafted resources and cutting-edge tools, it ensures students are thoroughly prepared for the exam.
UWorld’s video lessons break down complex U.S. history topics in an engaging and easy-to-understand format.
Features
- Aligns with the latest AP curriculum for relevance and accuracy.
- Covers key concepts, including major historical periods, pivotal events, and influential figures.
- Simplifies difficult topics to enhance student comprehension.
UWorld’s extensive APUSH Practice Test mirrors the AP exam format, offering a realistic and effective preparation tool.
Features
- 1,200+ AP-aligned questions designed to mimic the exam’s structure and rigor.
- Step-by-step explanations for each question reinforce understanding.
- Dynamic Performance Dashboard tracks progress and highlights areas for improvement.
The UWorld AP U.S. History study guide provides an organized and visually appealing resource for mastering U.S. history concepts.
Features
- Summarizes key historical themes and timelines.
- Includes practical strategies for essay writing and document analysis.
- Complements video lessons and the question bank for a well-rounded approach.
UWorld’s team of experienced educators and PhDs ensures that content is accurate and up to date.
Features
- Regular updates aligned with AP U.S. History curriculum changes.
- Credible and thoroughly vetted materials.
- Expertise-driven content designed for student success.
UWorld provides innovative tools to enhance the learning experience.
Features
- Smart Study Planner for personalized scheduling.
- Flashcards to reinforce key dates, events, and concepts.
- Digital Notebook for organized study sessions.
Track your progress and optimize your study plan with UWorld’s advanced tools.
Features
- Real-time analytics via the Performance Dashboard.
- Topic-level insights to identify and address weaknesses.
- Helps refine focus and improve performance over time.
UWorld’s Successful Track Record
UWorld is recognized for effectively preparing students for high-stakes examinations across several disciplines, including medical, law, accounting, and finance. This robust basis allows them to provide high-caliber preparatory materials that satisfy the stringent requirements of AP courses. Committed to developing accurate and high-quality material in its study guides, UWorld has a team of PhDs and expert educators who invest thousands of hours to develop the best AP materials.
Princeton Review
Pros:
Princeton Review’s APUSH exam review course offers structured content and helpful strategies for exam preparation. It includes score tracking tools to help students monitor their progress throughout their prep. The accessible study materials are designed for thorough learning.
Limitations1,2:
- Lacks detailed explanations for practice questions and has inadequate content
- Comparatively expensive option with limited customization and unnecessary practice questions
- Has irrelevant and outdated content
Kaplan
Pros:
Kaplan provides a traditional approach to learning AP U.S. History, offering structured materials for steady progress. It features a structured syllabus aligned with the AP curriculum and accessible resources like review sections and practice tests to support consistent study. Group lectures also include test-taking strategies to boost confidence and performance.
Limitations3,4:
- Limited video content and interactive tools as partners with Barron’s.
- It doesn’t have a good test predictor and can give students a false impression of performance.
- No dedicated set of practice questions.
Prep Scholar
Pros:
PrepScholar’s AP U.S. History review offers broad coverage of key topics, ensuring alignment with AP standards. It features extensive practice questions that reinforce content mastery and exam readiness. The program also provides personalized feedback, helping students target areas for improvement and enhance their overall performance.
Limitations5:
- It’s overwhelming for students taking the test with heavy content.
- Has incorrect answers and half explanations for the content.
- The interface isn’t helpful with limited on-demand tools.
Albert.io
Pros:
Albert.io’s AP U.S. History review course provides affordable access to essential prep resources, ideal for basic exam readiness. It includes a variety of practice questions covering multiple topics to reinforce learning. The course also features gamified elements, making it engaging and motivating for students who benefit from interactive study methods.
Limitations6:
- Limited focus on AP-specific content
- Relies on general material not created by AP experts.
- Limited resources and practice test answer explanations.
Conclusion
UWorld stands out as the ultimate resource for AP U.S. History preparation, offering expertly curated content, advanced learning tools, and a proven track record of success. With UWorld, students can confidently master the material, excel on the exam, and develop skills that will benefit them for years. Invest in UWorld today and take the first step toward achieving your academic goals.
References
- Unknown. (n.d.). Is Princeton Review better than Barron’s? Quora. https://qr.ae/pAHOhW
- u/[username]. (2024, April). Is it just me or does Princeton Review suck? Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/APStudents/comments/1cepebl/is_it_just_me_or_does_princeton_review_suck/
- u/[username]. (2024, March). Comment on “Is Princeton Review or Kaplan better?” Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/comments/1brlrv6/comment/kxae1g5/
- Kaplan. (n.d.). AP® test prep. https://www.kaptest.com/ap
- Weng, W. (2023, July 15). [Facebook status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/w1nn1.weng/posts/pfbid02QBVLjkhjJf74ePNhVRKdgmBhgFiXsMmqqWKbDXyrYdAeSog4RxZMNSBdXNRoZRecl
- u/[username]. (2022, July). Comment on “Are AP prep books actually helpful?” Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/APStudents/comments/vxsqc1/comment/igf9uv3/
