Introduction

The AP US History exam is 3 hours long, and you must complete four different sections with varying time allocations. Poor time management can result in incomplete essays or rushed answers that lose points. This guide will help you master time allocation strategies to maximize your score across all sections.

Understanding the Exam Structure

The AP US History exam has a total time of 180 minutes (3 hours) divided as follows:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): 55 questions, 55 minutes (40% of score)
• Short Answer Questions (SAQ): 3 questions, 40 minutes (20% of score)
• Document-Based Question (DBQ): 1 question, 60 minutes (25% of score)
• Long Essay Question (LEQ): 1 question, 40 minutes (15% of score)

Note: There's a 10-minute reading period before the DBQ and LEQ sections where you can read the documents and prompts.

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions (55 minutes)

Time per question: Approximately 1 minute per question

Strategy:

• Read each question carefully before looking at answers
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
• Don't spend more than 1.5 minutes on any single question
• If stuck, make an educated guess and move on
• Leave time at the end to review flagged questions

Pro tip: Practice timed MCQ sections to develop speed and accuracy. Aim to complete all 55 questions with 5-10 minutes to spare for review.

Section 2: Short Answer Questions (40 minutes)

Time per question: Approximately 12-13 minutes per question

Strategy:

• Read all three questions first to choose your best option if applicable
• Spend 2-3 minutes planning your answer
• Write concisely but thoroughly (3-4 paragraphs)
• Include specific historical evidence
• Don't spend too much time on one question

Pro tip: SAQ answers should be shorter than essays but still include specific examples. Practice writing complete SAQ answers in 12-13 minutes.

10-Minute Reading Period

Before the DBQ section, you get a 10-minute reading period. Use this time wisely:

• Read the DBQ prompt carefully
• Examine all documents and take notes
• Identify the main argument you'll make
• Plan your essay structure
• Don't start writing yet

Section 3: Document-Based Question (60 minutes)

Time breakdown:

• 5 minutes: Review documents and finalize thesis
• 45 minutes: Write your essay
• 10 minutes: Review and edit

Strategy:

• Write a clear thesis statement (1 paragraph)
• Analyze and integrate at least 6 documents
• Provide historical context
• Use evidence to support your argument
• Write 5-7 paragraphs total

Pro tip: The DBQ is worth 25% of your score, so allocate time accordingly. Practice writing full DBQ essays in 60 minutes to build speed and confidence.

Section 4: Long Essay Question (40 minutes)

Time breakdown:

• 5 minutes: Read prompt and plan
• 30 minutes: Write your essay
• 5 minutes: Review and edit

Strategy:

• Choose the prompt you're most confident about
• Write a clear, arguable thesis
• Support with specific historical evidence
• Write 4-5 well-developed paragraphs
• Include analysis, not just description

Pro tip: The LEQ is worth 15% of your score. While it's shorter than the DBQ, quality matters. Practice writing complete LEQ essays in 40 minutes.

Overall Time Management Tips

1. Practice Under Timed Conditions

The only way to master time management is to practice under realistic exam conditions. Take full-length practice tests regularly and time yourself strictly.

2. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

If you're strong in MCQ but weak in essays, allocate a bit more time to essays. If you're the opposite, spend extra time on MCQ accuracy.

3. Don't Get Stuck

If you're stuck on a question or don't know an answer, move on. You can always come back if time permits. Finishing all sections is more important than perfecting one.

4. Use a Watch

Wear a watch during the exam and check it regularly. Many testing centers don't have visible clocks, so a personal watch helps you stay on track.

5. Pace Yourself

Don't rush through sections. Maintain a steady pace that allows you to answer questions thoughtfully while staying within time limits.

Sample Time Schedule

Here's a realistic time schedule for the exam:

• 0:00 - 0:55: Multiple Choice Questions
• 0:55 - 1:35: Short Answer Questions
• 1:35 - 1:45: Reading Period (DBQ)
• 1:45 - 2:45: Document-Based Question
• 2:45 - 3:00: Break/Buffer
• 3:00 - 3:40: Long Essay Question

Conclusion

Effective time management is crucial for AP US History exam success. Practice with timed sections, know your pace, and don't get stuck on difficult questions. By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you'll be able to complete all sections with time to spare for review. Use our APUSH calculator to track your practice test scores and monitor your improvement over time.