Arii's AP Guides:
Hello, friends! If you, like myself, are taking an AP exam for either AP Calculus BC, AP Language and Composition, AP US History, AP World, or AP Human Geography, these resources may be of use to you.
(Also those taking AP European History can use the "How to Write An AP History Essay" Guide - and I intend to turn my old AP European notes into an Anki deck over this summer (sorry test takers of 2026)).
What are the resources?
Guides and how-tos - as well as Anki (flashcard) decks. At the very least, I think the guides are helpful - the Anki decks may be slightly incomprehensible, as they're mainly mneumonics for my own use.
I also attempt (keyword being attempt) to summarize the AP test format and rubrics. Please do read the Content and Exam Descriptions for yourself though!
What's your experience?
I'm very nerdy about study methods and maximizing my ability to crunch information. I like to watch videos about how to study more effectively, and attempt to apply them to my life. Most of the tips in here are "vetted" in a sense!
When it comes to APs, I got a 5 on the Euro exam last year, and had a great understanding of the content and essay process for that exam. I believe that knowledge is applicable to all the humanities I'm taking this year.
For Calc, I may have less experience in that, but I have to work hard enough in that class to understand how to study for it properly. (It's Anki deck is the most thorough out of all of the Anki decks).
What are your sources?
- AP test guidelines from Fall 2024 (and as of Spring 2026, the most updated).
- Resources provided by teachers.
- Dear old Heimler's History's wonderful writing and content guides.
- Various study and productivity tips I've collected and tested over the years.
Why'd you make this?
Frankly, it's a great review for myself. If I have to write guides and explain my process to folks, I better have a process that works - and I better remember it. These writings cement rubrics and tips in my head MUCH better. Also, I like to share free knowledge - and if I was already making it for myself, I might as well share it.
Why should I use this?
If you want to have another resource to use, especially one that's been vetted by a peer.
If you want to truly learn the content and FRQ formats.
If you want a list of helpful resources and tips.
If you want to have a daily content refresher through the Anki decks.
Why should I not use this?
If you want hard evidence, stuff in here is anecdotal - I do try my best to make it not so, but it comes from a student, not the CollegeBoard.
If you cannot write fast - the more involved essay frameworks meant for getting a complexity point are a struggle to complete for slow typers.
If it's 8pm the night before the exam and you want to cram. The essay formats and Anki are of some use to you, but you won't feel the full effects unless you start early.
In summary:
These are some pretty cool resources. I hope they're of use to you. If you need any assistance or elaboration, or found a spelling error, contact me through my site email, or if you know me IRL, sometime at school.
Best of luck!
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Please note that not all Anki decks are available, details may be changed or updated, and AP Calc guides are not ready yet. Thanks for your patience! Last updated: 2026.04.22
Shortenings:
AP Calculus BC = Calc
AP European History = Euro
AP Human Geography = Geo
AP Language and Composition = Lang
AP US History = APUSH
AP World History = World