United States History: One Month to Success?

Malfunction · 11-01-2009, 11:37 AM

Hello there;

I've been lurking here for quite a while, and I found this place certainly interesting. I finally decided to register, as I am seeking some help.

I'm planning on doing the USH SAT II test this January. Unfortunately, however, I pretty much have absolutely zero background on the subject. Not to mention that I'm also doing Literature, and school is a great time killer. So, I have one and only one month to study the subject. Now, I have a couple of questions;

1) I'm aiming for a score of at least 600. Is it possible, with no background information and only one month, to study for the test and getting this mark?
2) I'm planning on learning the required material using Barron's. Is Barron's sufficient for getting the aforementioned score? If not, is there any other stuff you think is worthy of consideration? I remember seeing something here on the forums, but I'm not really sure..
3) What is the best approach when studying for the exam? Should I memorize people and what they did? Should I memorize things like tribe names? Sometimes, countries that where invaded by other countries in wars like World War II are listed. Should these rather small things be memorized? Basically, what are the things that need special attention?

Thanks for taking the time in reading this thread. I really don't have any choice other than doing it this January. I have other SATIIs/APs I need to deal with later on. Any help will certainly be appreciated.

Romanticism · 11-01-2009, 05:22 PM

I had very little US History background and over 2 months achieved a 750, so I think that a 600+ in one month is definitely possible. I did not use Barron's so I cannot comment on its effectiveness, but I did use several other books which I found useful:

AMSCO-This book may appear small but it is actually very dense and full of a lot of valuable information. I would try to read this at least once before the test. This contains virtually every piece of material one could possibly be tested on.

Spark Notes-This is a good comprehensive review book that is fairly easy to read. A neat feature of the book is the in-depth glossary it contains, of people, places, court cases, etc.

Crash Course-As the name suggests, this book is great for a last minute review. It really does focus on many key trends and details which will easily get you a 600+ (I would not recommend this for those looking for a perfect score, but it does provide a very solid review). It is extremely short/easy to read (2-3 hours max).

Malfunction · 11-01-2009, 09:58 PM

Thanks! I really thought I'll fail badly, but now you assured me it's possible.

I would like to ask you some questions, though. Can you link me to the AMSCO / Crash Course books? There are quite a bit of books on both websites, so linking me to the specific book will really help.
What approach did you use to study? Did you, for example, read part of the book, take notes, and then memorize them? Or maybe you just read through the books a couple of times?

Thanks.

Romanticism · 11-01-2009, 10:16 PM

AMSCO:
Amazon.com: United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (9781567656602): John J. Newman: Books

Crash Course:
Amazon.com: AP U.S. History Crash Course (REA) (9780738605609): Larry Krieger: Books

I read AMSCO straight through, very slowly, trying to absorb as much as possible. I also read Spark Notes and Crash Course, but I did go back and review the glossary in the Spark Notes book. I took notes on my mistakes during the Spark Notes practice tests. I think that generally, note taking is only necessary if you are really weak in a certain area (reading the material a few times usually does the trick).

Malfunction · 11-02-2009, 08:37 AM

You have been a big help, thank you so much. I'll read through the subject a couple of times, making notes of topics I think need special attention, and then do some practice tests. I have eight with Barron's and one from the official CB blue book, so I'll get good practice.

Anybody have any thoughts on Barron's book? Most people say it has unnecessary content, but in my opinion being over prepared is a good thing.

yettiddqq8 · 11-02-2009, 05:15 PM

yeah but barrons is killer. It's more dense than even my textbook was. I would stick with the previous suggestions of AMSCO and Crash Course and Spark notes. It is certainly possible to get an 800 with just those three sources.

Seachai86442 · 11-02-2009, 06:33 PM

^ What if you use sparknotes and barrons? I used both of them weeks before the exam and failed miserably. =/
I didn't want to take regulars US, but I had to; I knew AP US would've helped me to attain a good score.

Malfunction · 11-02-2009, 10:18 PM

Ugh, thing is, I don't have access to AMSCO (I don't live in America, so buying it online will take a long time and I won't have time to prepare). Isn't there any place that offers the book online? I can buy it from there, but the official website doesn't have it.

@Seachai86442: You studied from both sparknotes and barron's but failed miserably? I was planning on doing that, actually! I don't really know what to do know.. Time is passing...

Romanticism · 11-02-2009, 10:34 PM

If you cannot get AMSCO in time, Spark Notes is definitely sufficient for a 600+. Reading that through several times, slowly and methodically, will ensure that score alone. The other books, while useful, are not 100% necessary. The key is the amount of time you spend studying, so get reading!

HopefulEagle86 · 11-02-2009, 11:10 PM

^ How beneficial is the AMSCO?

Harambee · 11-02-2009, 11:15 PM

^Kids on CC swear by it, at least for the AP Exam.

BTW, the 2010 Edition just came out.

HopefulEagle86 · 11-02-2009, 11:20 PM

^ Thanks, hope by the time from now to May, I have read Sparknotes, some stuff in Barrons, and AMSCO and I can get over 600.