AP United States History
Course Information
AP United States History (APUSH) is a rigorous Advanced Placement course designed to be equivalent to a two-semester introductory college or university course in U.S. history.
Subject Area: History
UC A-G Area: A – History / Social Science
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/12/2026
Course End: 5/1/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This Course provides useful preparation for many humanities and social science college pathways, including::
History / Political Science / Pre-Law / International Relations / Public Policy / American Studies / Economics / Journalism / Education
Prerequisites
Students must meet the following:
- 3.5 GPA or higher
- A grade in English or B grade in Honors or AP English; or Pre-AP English
Students should also be prepared to complete assigned readings and homework before class and engage actively with college-level historical texts, documents, and written analysis.
Course Units
- Period 1: 1491–1607
- Period 2: 1607–1754
- Period 3: 1754–1800
- Period 4: 1800–1848
- Period 5: 1844–1877
- Period 6: 1865–1898
- Period 7: 1890–1945
- Period 8: 1945–1980
- Period 9: 1980–Present
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 7, 2027 | Exam Duration: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Section I
Part A: Multiple Choice
-
55 questions
-
55 minutes
-
40% of Score
Questions are typically grouped around historical sources such as primary and secondary texts, images, charts, graphs, and maps.
Part B: Short Answer
-
3 questions
-
40 minutes
-
20% of Score
Students answer all three short-answer questions. Questions may include primary sources, secondary sources, and non-text historical evidence.
Section II
Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ)
- 1 question
- 60 minutes, including a recommended 15-minute reading period
- 25% of Score
Students analyze seven historical documents and develop an argument using evidence from the provided sources and their knowledge of U.S. history.
Part B: Long Essay Question (LEQ)
- 1 required question
- 40 minutes
- 15% of Score
Students develop and support a historical argument in response to a broad prompt using relevant evidence from the specified historical period.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP U.S. Government and Politics
Study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, political institutions, processes, and behaviors.
AP World History: Modern
Investigate significant events, developments, and historical processes from approximately 1200 to the present.
AP European History
Explore major political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual developments in Europe from approximately 1450 to the present.
AP Human Geography
Analyze population, political organization, urbanization, economic development, and human interactions across geographic space.
Questions About AP U.S. History
Where can I find official AP U.S. History resources and exam details?
Official course framework information, exam details, and student resources are available through the College Board AP U.S. History page.
What grade level is this course for?
AP U.S. History is commonly taken in 10th or 11th grade, but placement should be based primarily on academic readiness. Franklin Academy students should meet the required GPA and English preparation before enrolling.
Is this course useful for STEM majors?
Yes. Although AP U.S. History is a humanities course, it develops critical reading, analytical writing, source evaluation, and evidence-based argumentation skills that can benefit students across academic disciplines, including STEM fields.
How much reading is required for this class?
AP U.S. History requires consistent reading and analysis of primary and secondary historical sources. Students should be prepared to work with college-level texts and historical documents throughout the course.
Can international students participate?
Yes. Franklin Academy is a WASC-accredited private school. Upon completion of the course, Franklin Academy issues an official transcript with the WASC seal. Students may choose to transfer credits to their school of record or submit the Franklin Academy transcript as part of their college application materials.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.