To maximize your success, you need to maximize your sources. Different websites and video channels excel at different aspects of AP studying. Some are perfect for concept explanations, others for practice problems, and still others for exam strategies.
We've all been there—your eyes are glazed over from staring at textbooks, and the last thing you want to do is read another page of dense material. Sometimes your brain simply craves a different approach. A well-chosen video can refresh your perspective, clarify confusing concepts, and re-energize your study session.
Throughout the school year and especially during those intense pre-exam weeks, I used an entire range of study tools.
I'm sharing every single study tool, website, and resource that made a real difference in my preparation. Each serves a specific purpose, and together they create a complete study ecosystem designed to address every aspect of your AP journey.
Heimler's History YouTube Channel
After going through all the detailed notes, be sure to search for “Unit Review” or “Summary” videos on their channels. These are perfect for refreshing your memory.
As the AP Exam approaches, they’ll typically release updated content focused on test prep, FRQs, and live review sessions. Not only do these live reviews cover the key concepts from the entire year, but they also provide a sense of encouragement and calm.
Personally, I found them incredibly helpful for reducing stress and boosting confidence—you walk away feeling ready to crush the exam. Keep an eye out around mid-May.
Content: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-hug
Practices: https://www.albert.io/ap-human-geography?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=category-header
More Practices: https://www.varsitytutors.com/ap_human_geography-practice-tests
Vocabulary: https://hhsrobinson.org/HHSRobinson/AP_Vocabulary.html
Maps & Models: https://course-notes.org/flashcards/maps_ap_human_geography_flashcards_0
Princeton Review Book: https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Review-Human-Geography-Premium/dp/0593517199
AMSCO: https://www.geauxhistory.com/library-aphug.html
When it comes to review books, you don’t necessarily have to buy them—you can usually find free PDFs online. They might not be the most recent editions, but they’re still relevant and useful, especially since the course hasn’t gone through any major curriculum or exam format changes lately.
Personally, I got these books mostly for the practice tests, but honestly, I found that the questions aren’t always close to the actual AP style. So don’t feel like you need to rely on them—or on the textbook—too heavily. You don’t have to take exhaustive notes or study the textbook like it’s your life.
That said, the textbook does help you develop a more “geographically fluent” voice. It’s great for expanding your knowledge beyond the core content, which can actually help on the FRQ section—so you can yap, yap about relevant stuff with more depth (and maybe even sound impressive in real life too, haha).
Maximum Insight YouTube Channel
THE GOAT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-18qSbIbVNw&t=2319s
This guy carried me for the AP Precalculus exam. I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on his videos for unit tests throughout the year—they’re not super in-depth—but if you didn’t lock in all year or decided to self-study this “EASY 5” class while juggling five other APs, he might just save your academic career.
I decided to self-study AP Precalc, but only started the night before the exam. I watched his one-hour AP Precalculus ENTIRE Course Review – Everything You Must Know, and everything was clocking to me. On test day and score release day, I was definitely standing on business.
Michael Porinchak YouTube Channel
This is the guy to rely on for everyday learning, prep for unit exams, check your knowledge understanding, etc..
Also, his How to Crush Free Response Question on the AP Precalculus Exam series is very detailed and helpful. Those are the ONLY videos you need to watch to do perfectly well on the FRQ section!!! Link below!
FRQ 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkADJ5xift0&t=542s
FRQ 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrii4Lk-BHQ&t=254s
Free Lessons & Packets: https://precalculus.flippedmath.com/ap-precalc.html
This is hands down the BEST course for self-studying or as extra support outside of your regular class. It follows the AP curriculum unit by unit and includes everything you need: lessons, guided packets with AP-style questions, solutions, and even corrective assignments so you can keep practicing and improving.
The teachers are actually legit, kinda funny and easy to follow. If you commit to studying one lesson a day, you'll be the GOAT when it comes to this class and the AP exam.
If you're someone who thrives on steady progress and skill-building day by day, this is definitely the resource for you.
AP Pre-Calculus Course and Exam Description: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-precalculus-course-and-exam-description.pdf
Hear me out, 98% of students completely ignore this official AP resource or assume it’s just for teachers. NO! This 195-page guide actually contains everything that could show up on the AP test. It literally spells out key definitions and ideas—you just need to memorize and understand them. Plus, it gives you a clear roadmap of exactly what to study.
Here’s how I use this giant PDF effectively:
About a month before the AP Exam, jump to page 39 (Unit 1.1) and start reading all the Essential Knowledge sections. Take notes, focus on the AP-style definitions, and make sure you can apply the concepts to real problems. Keep going until around page 110. It’s honestly not as overwhelming as it seems!
And if you come across vague terms or unclear topics—like regressions, polar functions, or real-life simulations—just toss the wording into ChatGPT and say: “Expand on this. Give me detailed notes with examples and practice questions.” Instant clarity.
Official Practice Exam: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-precalculus-practice-exam-multiple-choice-section.pdf
Unit Practices: https://highschooltestprep.com/ap/precalculus/
I didn’t personally purchase any books for this class, mainly because the content is relatively straightforward and the math concepts are pretty simple.
Honestly, everything you need to succeed—both in the class and on the AP exam—can be found online for free.
That said, if you have any recommendations or helpful book resources that worked well for you, feel free to share them with me through the feedback channel: Feedback
Heimler's History YouTube Channel
Here comes the GOAT in EVERY SINGLE AP history class again, do I even need to say more?
Yeah, Heimler is probably all you need for videos...
Lessons: https://www.oerproject.com/World-History-AP/Unit-4/Transoceanic-Connections
FRQs: https://collegeprep.uworld.com/ap-world-history-modern/frq/
AP World History Course and Exam Description: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-world-history-modern-course-and-exam-description.pdf
Hear me out, 98% of students completely ignore this official AP resource or assume it’s just for teachers. NO! This 260-page guide actually contains everything that could show up on the AP test. It literally gives you a clear roadmap of exactly what to you need to know.
Here’s how I use this giant PDF effectively:
About a month before the AP Exam, jump to page 45 (Topic 1.1) and start reading all the Essential Knowledge sections. Take notes, focus on the AP-style definitions, and make sure you can apply the concepts. Keep going until around page 176. It’s honestly not as overwhelming as it seems!
And if you come across vague terms or unclear topics: “Expand on this. Give me detailed notes with examples and practice questions.” Instant clarity.
Ways of the World Textbook: https://www.amazon.com/Ways-World-Sources-Robert-Strayer/dp/1319022723
Little thoughts on textbooks: I didn’t read the textbook as much as I was heavily encouraged to by my teacher. But I do know it’s well-written and definitely helpful if you want to succeed in this class.
Beyond just passing the exam, the textbook really helps you develop that “historical, scholarly voice” that’s useful for writing strong DBQs and LEQs. Over time, I realized this class is about more than just the test—it teaches you how to think critically, which honestly helps in life, too.
I’d recommend reading the textbook. Even if you don’t get through every page, it adds depth to your understanding and your writing.
Barron's Review Book: https://www.barronseduc.com/ap-world-history-modern-resources
AP CSP is one of those classes where video study resources really shine. I mean, come on, what do you mean the code in the textbook will suddenly make sense if I just stare at it? And don’t even get me started on how confusing Internet protocols and IP addresses can get…
Flavio Kuperman YouTube Channel
Highly, highly recommended channel.
His videos are great when you already understand the basics but need that extra push to feel solid for a 5. He walks you through tons of actual past AP CSP exam questions and drills those key concepts into your brain.
ALL of his videos are worth watching, I'm not exaggerating. The mindset he taught me for tackling code-related problems came back to me during the test.
His videos are perfect for understanding the basics—very general, super straightforward, and not time-consuming at all. He’s also a really intelligent and funny guy, so you might actually enjoy learning computer science while watching them (hopefully).
Elizabeth Naameh YouTube Channel
This isn’t a very well-known resource. But Ms. Elizabeth Naameh is an amazing teacher. Her videos are recordings from Zoom classes with her students. They might seem long at first, but somehow, I ended up watching the whole thing without even realizing it.
She’s super knowledgeable and has a great way of breaking down coding questions. She even gives you a core set of code patterns that you need to know for the AP test. Plus, she’s incredibly patient and kind.
Watching her teach feels like a breath of fresh air.
Quick Full Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb3taZ5bjzw&t=416s
Khan Academy Lesson: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/ap-computer-science-principles
Code.org of course
AP CSP Course and Exam Description:
Hear me out, 98% of students completely ignore this official AP resource or assume it’s just for teachers. NO! This 266-page guide actually contains everything that could show up on the AP test. It literally spells out key definitions —you just need to memorize and understand them. Plus, it gives you a clear roadmap of exactly what to study.
Here’s how I use this giant PDF effectively:
About a month before the AP Exam, jump to page 39 (Bid Idea 1.1) and start reading all the Essential Knowledge sections. Take notes, focus on the AP-style definitions, and make sure you can apply the concepts. Keep going until around page 133. It’s honestly not as overwhelming as it seems!
And if you come across vague terms or unclear topics, just toss the wording into ChatGPT and say: “Expand on this. Give me detailed notes with examples and practice questions.” Instant clarity.
Create Task Checklist: https://blog.gocobi.com/ap-cs-principles-create-task-checklist/
Barron's Review Book: https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Science-Principles-Premium-2025/dp/1506291996?gQT=1
I purchased this resource and it was 100% worth it. Only this book is more than enough. Very well written, with clear, understandable code and tons of relevant AP-style practice tests. Highly recommended!
Jacob Clifford YouTube Channel
GOAT. GOAT. GOAT.
10 minutes of Jacob Clifford = 1 hour of a regular lecture. His videos are fast-paced, engaging, and packed with exactly what you need to know.
Just watch his channel if you want to succeed.
Sometimes, Jacob Clifford doesn’t cover every single topic in each unit—but that’s where Review Econ does. It’s a slower-paced style, but he goes into every single detail.
Like seriously—EVERY possible way a curve can shift on every graph. It's incredibly thorough, which is perfect for more complex units like Unit 4 and Unit 6.
If you want deep understanding and full coverage, this is a great resource.
Thank you—Econ became completely self-teachable and genuinely fun because of you all. Couldn’t have done it without these amazing resources!
ReviewEcon.com: https://www.reviewecon.com/
Unit Study Guides: https://www.simplestudies.org/groups/ap-macroeconomics
Graphs Cheat Sheet: https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/360031/PrepScholar%20AP%20Macro%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf
22 Formulas: https://www.reviewecon.com/macroeconomics-formulas
Full Review: https://mreizyk.weebly.com/uploads/4/9/7/0/4970156/[ap_economics]_macro_full_review_1.3.pdf
Past FRQs: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-macroeconomics/exam/past-exam-questions
2012 Official Practice Exam: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-macroeconomics-practice-exam-2012.pdf
Another Prcaice Test: https://www.dentonisd.org/cms/lib/TX21000245/Centricity/Domain/929/AP%20Macro%20MC%20Practice%20test%20with%20AKey.pdf
I really don’t think a textbook or review book is necessary for AP Macroeconomics. I can’t say the same for other subjects, but for this one... There are so many great online resources that cover everything you need.
As long as you remember the key graphs, formulas, and concepts, you’ll be fine. You don’t need to develop some deep “economic voice” to do well on the FRQs—just practice with past FRQs and you’ll get the hang of it.
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