Taking Advanced Placement classes, better known as “AP” classes, is challenging, and many high school students have different ways of learning. Some learn better using visuals, while others prefer auditory lectures to understand new concepts. Whichever method works best, though, outside resources can be a game-changer. From specific practice review problems to detailed YouTube videos, these tools can make students feel more confident and better prepared. Here’s a guide to the most worthwhile outside resources for the following classes: AP U.S. History, AP World History (Modern), AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Calculus AB/BC.
AP U.S. History
Understanding time periods and when events occurred is incredibly important in AP U.S. History. For quick auditory lessons, Heimler’s History provides a useful review for all units to synthesize all of this particular information. If a student wanted to get more in-depth information, they could view Heimler’s shorter two to three-minute lesson videos that debrief specific topics. Additionally, the Princeton Review book for APUSH provides not only condensed chapters, but also practice problems to improve students’ APUSH test-taking skills.
AP World History (Modern)
AP World History (Modern), by contrast, focuses more on broad, general movements and topics. Still, memorization is key. Heimler’s History provides specific reviews for definitive areas, such as the movements in China, as well as overall unit reviews. Freemanpedia, a website providing a condensed version of all Freemanpedia YouTube videos, helps students quickly review the fundamentals of each unit, ensuring that they feel prepared for their unit test and AP exam. AMSCO, although providing similar information to that in the school textbook, provides realistic test questions and produces a similar testing structure to what is implemented at Dublin High.
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry, considered a second part of Honors Chemistry, requires a strong foundation in problem-solving and a good grasp of basic chemistry concepts. Bozeman Science’s YouTube channel provides students with short lessons on specific topics. This account also has its own website, dividing up each unit in AP Chemistry into subtopics, thereby making them easier to understand. Chemistry Libretexts is a nonprofit organization with its own website that provides information on AP Chemistry topics and higher chemistry classes for students who want to continue their education in this subject.
AP Biology
Due to the fast-paced nature of AP Biology and its vast range of topics, external resources for AP Biology students are essential. Similarly to AP Chemistry, Bozeman Science created an AP Biology page where students can delve deeper into concepts they have trouble understanding. For simpler concepts, the Amoeba Sisters provide short videos explaining core ideas in an easy-to-digest way.
AP Calculus AB + AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB and BC are classes that rely heavily on the student’s ability to understand and apply concepts. Arguably, one of the easiest ways to pass these classes is through the use of effective practice material. To understand the topics, one could use Paul’s Online Math Notes, Khan Academy, or the Organic Chemistry tutor. For practice, College Board practice and Khan Academy are valuable resources.
Navigating AP classes doesn’t have to be challenging —as long as students find the study methods or resources that work best for them. By mastering complex concepts and studying effectively, students can build confidence and tackle all exams with a more sound and calculated approach.
