Is AP European History easy or hard? Read on to discover why we’ve given AP Euro a difficulty rating of “Quite Hard”, based on our unparalleled, deep-dive analysis of 2024 (and historic) pass rate data and over 3200 course reviews from alumnae.
An overview of the data: how difficult is AP European History?
Here’s an overview of all the data we’ve analysed on AP Euro, from both 2024 pass rates and alumnae reviews:
- AP European History is considered quite hard, with class alumnae rating it 6.5/10 for overall difficulty
- That makes it the 8th-most-difficult course out of the 28 large AP classes we surveyed
- The pass rate is slightly higher than other AP classes, with 72% graduating with a 3 or higher
- AP Euro is a relatively small class (approximately 83,000 entries a year)
- And 87% of alumnae would recommend the class, which is lower than other classes
Alumnae recommendations: the tl;dr
Whilst AP Euro is rated as quite hard, many alumnae reviewers really enjoyed the course, and found it manageable with consistent study, good study methods, and a good overview of the big picture.
Taking a visual comparison:
Here’s a fun visual on how AP European History compares to other classes, by difficulty, the amount of study time required, and class size:
We’ve only highlighted the three history classes here: AP European History, APUSH and AP World History. But you can see the full multi-coloured version of this chart in our popular, definitive difficulty ranking of ALL the AP classes!
Psst: we’ve also got deep-dives into AP US History and AP World History if you want a full comparison of history tracks!
Behind the scenes: our Data Analyst and methodology
Exam Study Expert founder William Wadsworth is a Cambridge University trained psychologist and data analyst. Since he first started crunching AP data in 2019, over half a million AP students have used his difficulty ratings analysis to choose their AP classes.
Additional research, graphics, and article review by Dr Kerri-Anne Edinburgh
Analysing AP class data: the methodology
We want to be transparent about how we research, collect and analyse the AP data we use to provide you with our assessments and recommendations. This methodology gives a brief outline of our source material and analytical processes:
Please click here to learn more about our rigorous editorial policies here at Exam Study Expert.
Source material for AP data:
We use two primary sources of data:
- Pass rate data from College Board itself, including the proportion of students who pass overall (3+ score) and the proportion of students who score a 5. This data is taken from the College Board website plus tweets from Head of AP Trevor Packer, which include the score breakdown and numbers of students taking each class.
- Student reviews posted by users from r/APStudents who actually took the AP courses (as of 2024 the dataset includes 3,295 reviews). These reviews include a rating for:
- Overall difficulty rating
- Difficulty if self-studying
- How much time is required
The data we post is based on College Board’s June data release and may shift slightly as late-arriving exams are scored. This shift has historically been negligible.
How we evaluate and use the data on AP classes:
We consider class alumnae’s difficulty ratings to be the most reliable indicator of difficulty, more so than pass rate.
Pass rate, or percentage of students scoring a certain grade, is a misleading metric for two main reasons:
- Some classes attract highly able students, so may have a high pass rate, but this is more a reflection of the calibre of students taking the class. This particularly applies to language classes.
- Research has shown that popular, widely taken AP classes tend to have lower passing rates. So, a low passing rate could indicate a larger variety of student skill, not necessarily class difficulty.
Our assessments of course difficulty
We have given each every AP class a graded ranking of difficulty, primarily based on class alumnae difficulty ratings. Many other important factors are taken into consideration when making our recommendations for how easy or hard you may find the AP course.
The rankings are determined as followed:
- Very Easy – scores less than 4.0
- Quite Easy – scores between 4.0 and 4.9
- Moderate Difficulty – scores between 5.0 and 5.9
- Quite Hard – scores between 6.0 and 6.9
- Very Hard – scores more than 7.0
You should take every available metric into account when making your choice of AP classes. Remember that some students tend to find certain fields easier or harder than others, based on pre-existing experience.
And remember, as College Board’s Trevor Packer reminds us, an AP score is only one indicator of student learning and achievement.
A deep dive into the 2024 exam data on AP Euro
If you want to know more about how AP European History stacks up against the average AP class, and against previous years’ results: read on for five charts that set out all the data you could want.
1. Difficulty: a look at the ratings
AP European History is considered quite hard, with class alumnae rating it 6.4/10 for overall difficulty, making it the 8th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed.
2. The AP European History pass rate in 2024
In 2024, the AP Euro pass rate 72%, slightly higher than the all-AP-class average.
The highest percentage of candidates received a 4 (34%), a significantly larger figure than the all-AP average. A correspondingly smaller than average percentage of students recieved a 5 (13%) and a 1 (7%).
3. So, how does this compare to the last five years?
Over the many years we’ve been doing this analysis, we’ve learnt that AP pass rates can fluctuate wildly – although some subjects remain steady. So to get a better picture, let’s examine the score distribution for the past five years of exams – all the way back to 2020.
The AP European History score distribution is an interesting example of this observation. The pass rate held steady at approximately 58-59% between 2020 and 2023. However, there was a substantial leap in the pass rate in 2024, to 72% – very impressive!
4. How time consuming will AP European History be?
AP Euro is rated as quite time-intensive relative to other AP classes.
N.B. A survey of AP alumnae asked for a rating out of 10 for time needed to study each class, with 1 = least time needed, 10 = most time. The average rating for AP European History was 6.8/10 (vs the average across all AP classes of 5.4/10).
5. How hard is it to self-study for AP Euro?
AP European History is rated as quite hard to self-study relative to other AP classes.
N.B. A survey of AP alumnae asked for a rating out of 10 for how easy each class is to self study, with 1 = easiest to self study, 10 = hardest to self study. The average rating for AP European History was 6.7/10 (vs the average across all AP classes of 5.7/10).
Reviewing the course: 88 alumnae share their experiences
If you’re looking forward to taking AP European History, it’s important to take both the positive and negative feedback in context. There are multiple factors that could contribute to a great or poor experience of the class, such your teacher and your personal preferences as a learner.
87% of AP Euro alumnae would recommend the class, which is lower than other classes.
The majority of the reviews focus on course experience, the importance of overall concepts, the need for steady preparation, and helpful study methods.
1. Some students really enjoy AP Euro, others struggled
“Incredibly fun and interesting class, despite the huge and very dense amount of material” – Score: 5
“The class wasn’t that bad for me and my friends, but a lot of people had difficulties. There were lectures almost everyday and activities on the others. The only homework was to read the textbook and do a reading guide. The tests were very easy to score over 100% on because they all had a nice curve. My teacher was one of the best AP teachers at my school so that helped a lot.” – Score: 4
“By the end of the year, the course was very fulfilling to complete. If you enjoy the subject material, than the course will fly by.” – Score: 4
“I definitely found the AP Euro experience worthwhile. While studying, I found myself wishing that I [paid] more attention in class because the material is actually interesting (seems crazy, but it’s true). … Euro is a very time consuming class, even if you barely cared like me, but the exam requires less preparation than you may think. … And don’t forget to view all information through the lens of the “Big Ideas” of Euro (interaction of Europe and the world etc)!” – Score: 5
2. Opinions on the course difficulty are divided
“I self studied for this test and it was genuinely difficult, but it is definitely manageable if you pace yourself right. In spite of this, I did not have very much background in Euro and had to spend a lot of time reviewing … Do not underestimate the exam. The essays will be manageable if you know your rubric but the MC sucks and is quite difficult.” – Score: 5
“This is an extremely easy class if you’ve taken any other history AP’s (APUSH especially), and the rubric for essay’s is really explicit about how to get full points.” – Score: 2
“Study, study, study! If you did well in world, this class is for you. … Would recommend especially to liberal arts majors who want the most rigorous course that stays relevant to their major, since Euro is the hardest AP class that fits into that category.” – Score: 4
“Pretty easy and a good extra AP test you can take if you’re already in AP World. I didn’t take the class or self study, and using my APWH knowledge still passed.” – Score: 3
“Pace yourself with DBQ. If you like history, this is easy. Make sure to grasps the advanced concepts and not just memorize dates” – Score: 5
“The course is really lengthy and difficult if you know nothing about Europe but was fun and interesting at times.” – Score: 4
3. AP European History is a complex course … so knowing the bigger picture is important
“Read your textbook thoroughly. History in general is a complex study, and reading your textbook thoroughly is the best way to firmly grasp its nuances. Alongside this, have the format of the test and the rubrics for the DBQs/LEQs memorized.” – Score: 5
“Rather than memorize facts, make connections with events and make sure you’re able to explain European countries’ relationships with each other and the rest of the world.” – Score: 5
“Honestly, focus on the major points instead of trying to remember little details of history.” – Score: 4
“Know the big pictures in each time period, and know how to connect each time period to each other. Focus less on little details, and more on the bigger idea of what’s going on.” – Score: 5
“Focus almost solely on politics, not war strategies or social movements or even art that much. Also, I think they’re taking the Renaissance out of the Curriculum this year (2018-19), but it wasn’t even mentioned on the 2017-2018 test” – Score: 5
“Be prepared to have not only a wide range of knowledge on all the topics covered, but also to have a large depth of knowledge as well. … Be prepared to do a lot of home studying because the course is very fast paced. The teachers help as well. … it doesn’t matter how good of a self-studier you are, it is very difficult to learn 600-700+ years of history and have as much knowledge as they expect you to have on the AP exam by self-studying.” – Score: 5
“Know about a lot of obscure topics from different times in history because they tend to show up on the exam.” – Score: 4
What does it take to succeed in the AP Euro exam?
Well, a good starting place is knowing what’s required of you – and what the experts say went well (or not!) this year:
What is AP European History? Course Outline & Requirements
According to College Board:
“In AP European History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians.”
There are no prerequisites AP Euro. Students are expected to read college-level textbooks.
You will develop skills in:
- Identifying and explaining historical concepts, sources and situations
- Comparing and explaining primary and secondary source evidence and arguments
- Contextualizing and making connections between historical developments and processes
- Constructing, corroborating and supporting evidence-based historical arguments
- Using reasoning about comparison, causation, continuity and change
The exam consists of one 3 hour 15 minute exam, in three sections. Section 1 consists of 40% (55 minutes) of multiple-choice questions (MCQs); Section 2 is 20% (40 minutes) with 3 short answer questions; and Section 3 is 40% (1 hour 40 minutes) for 2 free-response questions: 25% document-based (DBQs) and 15% long essay (LEQs).
For more details, see: College Board’s AP European History course page.
Takeaways for success from the Head of AP
Every year as the exam results come out, College Board’s Head of AP, Trevor Packer, offers an update on what’s gone on in each subject this year, including what people found easy and hard.
In 2024, Trevor made the following comments about the AP Euro exam results:
- “Every 5-10 years, each AP subject’s scores are verified by researchers; more details have been posted on the Online Teacher Community for AP US History and AP Euro History teachers interested in these details.”
- “This year, the 3 AP history exam results were verified against large college data sets; the 2024 scores reflect the latest research, confirming World History’s standards unchanged, and updating the APUSH and AP Euro standards.”
- “1 student, out of ~52,000 worldwide whose exams have been scored so far, earned all 140/140 points possible across the DBQ, long essay, short answers, and multiple-choice questions. We’ll notify the student and school in September.”
- “MC questions: students really excelled on the period 1648-1815 (units 3-5), 20% of students answered virtually all such questions correctly.”
- “The most challenging questions on this year’s AP European History exam were Short Answer #2 (German nationalism) and #4 (20th century European democracies); the average score on each was 44%. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24”
- “The AP European History DBQ on nineteenth century feminist movements: 75% of students earned the thesis point; 55% earned contextualization; 95% earned 1+ evidence pt; 37% earned 1+ analysis/reasoning pt. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-frq-european-history-set-1.pdf”
- “AP European History Long Essays are an ideal difficulty level for distinguishing between A, B, and C college-level performance; AP 5s can generally earn all these points; AP 4s can earn 4+ points; AP 3s can earn 3+ points. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-frq-european-history-set-1.pdf“
How to (self) study for AP Euro, with advice from alumnae
Let’s turn back to those alumnae reviews. Many students who’ve taken the course also have great advice on how to study – and self-study – for the exam, including what to practice and the best resources. We’ve collated a selection for you:
1. There’s a lot of memorization involved – but don’t forget the key concepts!
“You just need to study. It’s a lot of memorization. Also learn how to write an essay” – Score: 3
“If you aren’t going to read the book, read the chapter summaries-they help a lot. Euro is more memorization heavy than most history courses (i.e WHAP which is a lot more focused on trends and big picture ideas, as well as important details).” – Score: 5
“There are many names and events to learn. Make sure to note the significance of each name and event. Be aware of how it affects the general scheme of politics, economics, social constructs etc.” – Score: 4
“Pace yourself with DBQ. If you like history, this is easy. Make sure to grasps the advanced concepts and not just memorize dates” – Score: 5
“BASE YOUR STUDYING OFF THE KEY CONCEPTS, PLEASE! … Spend equal amounts of time studying each time period, and please don’t gloss over period four, even if your class teacher rushes through it right before AP exams.” – Score: 5
2. It’s important to practice for the exam regularly
“Vocab is very important for FRQs. Make a quizlet every unit and it will pay off in the end. Be sure to take some MC practices because the format is a bit wonky. It is 100% necessary for you to have the DBQ and LEQ rubrics memorized when heading into this exam.” – Score: 5
“READ! THE! BOOK! and also do a LOT of DBQs for practice!” – Score: 5
“KNOW HOW TO WRITE YOUR LEQs, SAQs, and DBQs” – Score: 3
“Do lots of writing practice under timed conditions! Get that DBQ perfect” – Score: 5
“DBQS! Write them, analyze them, MEMORIZE THE RUBRIC, go over them with your teacher or your friends, just make sure that you do not skimp out on them! Also, focus less on the tiny details and more on the bigger picture.” – Score: 5
3. Find some study methods that work well for you
“Flash cards will become your best friend!!” – Score: 4
“Make flash cards online … If you have friends in the class(unlike me), play study games with them like Kahoot.” – Score: 3
“Make flashcards for everything! Dates, ideologies, people, you name it- it’ll come in handy to have those ready on the FRQs. Make a timeline of major events and make sure you know it, at the bare minimum, before your test. Also, now’s the time to learn how to write an essay if you haven’t already.” – Score: 5
“Making timelines, venn diagrams, flow chats etc will help you immensely.” – Score: 4
“Try using timelines and graphic organizers to organize your info! Also, start studying early, it’s SO HARD cramming all this history knowledge last minute. Study groups and discussion help a bunch too.” – Score: 4
“I would also recommend to review each chapter throughout the year instead of waiting until the end like me.’ – Score: 4
Best books and test prep resources for AP European History
If you’re looking for the best books to study to help you ace AP Euro, we’ve crunched the numbers on the available textbooks. Check out the winners, according to reviews from successful AP students, in our overview of the best AP study guides for every subject.
Where next?
Find out how AP European History compares to other classes: click here for our popular, definitive overview of all AP Classes ranked by difficulty.
Or compare how AP Euro compares to the other history courses with our deep-dives into AP US History (APUSH) and AP World History.
If you’ve found our analysis helpful, have a question for our Data Analyst and AP expert, William – or just have some thoughts to share: please leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Good luck!
Exam Study Expert founder William Wadsworth is a Cambridge University trained psychologist and data analyst. Since he first started crunching AP data in 2019, over half a million AP students have used his difficulty ratings analysis to choose their AP classes. William’s research on effective study strategies has been presented at top education conferences and reported in The Times, and he also hosts the top-rated Exam Study Expert podcast, with 1 million downloads to date.
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