APUSH Test Day Checklist: What to Do & Bring for the AP U.S. History Exam

Why test day details matter

Students often lose points on test day for reasons that have nothing to do with how much history they know:

• Poor sleep the night before, leading to lost focus during the exam
• No watch, making it hard to track pacing during timed sections
• Last-minute panic that leads to rushing the MCQ or SAQ sections

This checklist walks through the night before, the morning of, each exam section, and how to use the same routine in practice.

PART 1 • NIGHT BEFORE

Night-before checklist

Light preparation only:

• Skim notes or unit guide
• Analyze 1-2 DBQ/LEQ prompts (no writing)
• Review pacing plan

Pack the night before:

• Admission ticket + ID
• #2 pencils & erasers
• Pens (if allowed)
• Watch (if allowed)
• Water + snack
• Hoodie/layers for room temp

Avoid:

• All-nighter
• Last-minute unit learning
• Exam panic group chats

Want the fuller day-before game plan, not just the packing list? See the day before your APUSH exam.

PART 2 • THE MORNING

Morning of the exam

• Eat light breakfast — protein + carbs
• Arrive 30+ minutes early
• Skim notes only
• Recall timing plan

Mental reset:

• 3 deep breaths — calm start
• Trust practice + calculator scores

PART 3 • SECTION I — MCQ & SAQ

During MCQ + SAQ

MCQ (55 min):

• Use pacing chunks (15/15/15/10)
• Mark maybes → move on
• Read stem twice before choices

SAQ (40 min):

• Answer A/B/C clearly
• Evidence → explain → conclude
• Never leave blank

PART 4 • SECTION II — DBQ & LEQ

DBQ + LEQ strategy

DBQ (60 min)

• Plan 10–15 mins first
• Clear thesis answering prompt
• Use 6+ documents
• Add outside evidence
• Sourcing HIPP for 2–3 docs

LEQ (40 min)

• Pick prompt + outline first
• Thesis = topic + timeframe + 2–3 categories
• Try small complexity move

PART 5 • AFTER (PRACTICE RUNS)

Use during practice too

• Simulate real exam monthly
• No phone during test
• Score MCQ/SAQ/DBQ/LEQ
• Enter scores in calculator
• Fix patterns using mistakes guide

Pair with these pages:

• Tips for Getting a 5
• Time Management
• Common Mistakes
• Resources & Practice Tests
• Take a full practice test