[2024-25] How Hard Is AP World History? Answer: ‘Quite Hard’ (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data)

Is AP World History easy or hard? Read on to discover why we’ve given AP World History 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 World History?

Here’s an overview of all the data we’ve analysed on AP World, from both 2024 pass rates and alumnae reviews:

• AP World History is considered quite hard, with class alumnae rating it 6.0/10 for overall difficulty
  • That makes it the 10th-most-difficult course out of the 28 large AP classes we surveyed
• The pass rate is about average vs other AP classes, with 64% graduating with a 3 or higher
• AP World is very widely-taken (approximately 379,000 entries a year)
• And 93% of alumnae would recommend the class

Alumnae recommendations: the tl;dr

Whilst AP World is rated as quite hard, alumnae reviewers enjoyed the course, and found it manageable if they prepared consistently, practiced for the exam, and focused on the broader trends in world history rather than the specific details.

Taking a visual comparison:

Here’s a fun visual on how AP World History compares to other classes, by difficulty, the amount of study time required, and class size:

We’ve only highlighted AP World History and related history classes (US History and European 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 European History and US History if you want a full comparison of history tracks!

Behind the scenes: our Data Analyst and methodology

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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 World

If you want to know more about how AP World 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 World is considered quite hard, with class alumnae rating it 6.0/10 for overall difficulty, making it the 10th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes we surveyed.

2. The AP World History pass rate in 2024

In 2024, the AP World pass rate was about average, at 64%. An impressive 32% of candidates achieved a 4, balanced by the 28% of students who received a 2.

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 World History score distribution is one of those that has varied quite significantly over the past 5 years of exams. Although 2021 saw a dip in the pass rate of 8%, 2023 saw the pass rate rise again to its highest levels in the past 5 years (65%).

4. How time consuming will AP World History be?

AP World 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 World History was 6.7/10 (vs the average across all AP classes of 5.4/10).

5. How hard is it to self-study for AP World?

AP World 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 World History was 6.3/10 (vs the average across all AP classes of 5.7/10).

Reviewing the course: 289 alumnae share their experiences

If you’re looking forward to taking AP World 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 as a particularly weak teacher and your personal preferences as a learner.

An impressive 93% of AP World History alumnae would recommend the class.

The majority of the reviews focus on course experience, the importance of overall concepts and trends, the need for steady preparation throughout the year, and helpful study methods.

1.      The course is hard work …

“Even if you don’t plan on doing anything related to history, taking AP World History, one of the hardest AP classes, proves your potential as a student.” – Score: 4

“’It’s only hard because of the amount of content. With history classes, always try to remember what’s going on at the same time as whatever you’re focusing on. There’s a lot going on at once.” – Score: 5

“’If you enjoy history, it is very fun and interesting, but still requires a good amount of work. The hardest part, I would say, is writing DBQs and all the short answer questions (time management). If you have that down to a science, then you will succeed! … Also, it is very important that you get the general gist of things, you do not always have to know micro-details, like understand the patterns of history. Make sure you comprehend history, like understand why things happened (not just that they happened in time). Good luck!!” – Score: 5

2.      … but enjoyable

“Overall super fun and interesting course if you love history and pay attention in the class(unlike me) and you’ll get a 5!’ – Score: 2

“This is an absolutely amazing course! As long as you stay focused and keep up with the workload a 5 is very achievable. Make sure you know your writing rubrics inside out and practice writing essays often.” – Score: 5

“Extremely fun class! The hardest thing was China and its dynasties, but everything else will probably stick if you’re interested in it.” – Score: 5

“One of the best classes I have ever taken. If you have a good teacher, you can learn useful stuff that will benefit you in the long run.” – Score: 5

“It’s a lot of hard work if you’re not naturally talented. Although, it is rewarding to get done with it, and you do learn a lot by analyzing sources and writing in the form. I’ve become a better SAT reader and essay writer through this course. If you’re just doing AP’s for college credit I don’t recommend it because it doesn’t give much valuable college credit.” – Score: 4

3.      AP World History is all about understanding the big picture trends

“Recognize common trends between civilizations, being able to make connections is helpful for DBQ’s and FRQ’s. Make sure to understand WHY things happened, and WHEN they did.” – Score: 4

“There’s a lot of information to cover, but just knowing the general trends should be enough for the AP exam. Memorizing vocab words for each era will help you with concrete details for the essay” – Score: 5

“Remember the trade routes and learn continuity and causation! Analyzing DBQ’s in 15 minutes is necessary to make sure you have enough time to write them. Don’t sweat the small details! Make sure to connect events together and figure out how they flow.” – Score: 3

“My teacher really emphasized the point that this course is all about broad events and movements and not necessarily focusing on the specific, which is really good advice that if you can take, can really change how you study for the exam.” – Score: 4

“Don’t stress about remembering everything, just the general trends over time. Be really, really familiar with the scoring rubric for all of the essays and use it to help you choose which essays/parts of an essay to write first.” – Score: 4

“Pay attention in class and have a general timeline of when things happened. Specific dates rarely matter … Having an argument and bringing up a counterpoint to that argument will get you points on a DBQ too, so don’t be afraid to do that.” – Score: 5

“The class relies heavily on understanding the big picture of history and being able to make connections across many different events. It’s not as detail oriented as APUSH so I find that makes it significantly more manageable.” – Score: 4

3.      Knowing the exam format is really important

“The essays are what test your understanding of a topic. … EVERY multiple choice refers to either a short paragraph or a photo. Most photos have a caption or title that shows the time period, so be sure to read those too.” – Score: 4

“Most students taking APWH are unfamiliar with the AP writing style, and that, coupled with the huge timespan of the course, makes it seem really overwhelming.” – Score: 5

“Because of the way that the MCQs are formatted, material knowledge is not as important as in previous years. Its greatest importance is found in the LEQ and SAQs, and thus, when learning material, you should focus primarily on the abstract importance … rather than superficial information.” – Score: 5

“For future testers, I would recommend having a general knowledge of what happens in each periodization and looking at student samples and rubrics of the essays.” – Score: 5

“Learn the format of the essays and practice time management on the multiple choice questions. Don’t get too bogged down in details.” – Score: 5

“If this is the student’s first History AP, they should familiarize themselves with Stimulus-Based Multiple Choice Questions and the formats of the Free-Response Questions and Essays.” – Score: 4”

“Do good on the DBQ, it is worth so much. For the multiple choice, keep practicing throughout the year because the questions are tough and take a lot of thinking.” – Score: 4

“Be able to read from a stimulus, because all of the MC is based on that. Essays are relatively easy if you know what you’re doing, and that’s probably how I got a 3 instead of a 2.” – Score: 3

What does it take to succeed in the AP World 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 World History? Course Outline & Requirements

According to College Board:

“In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians.”

There are no prerequisites for AP World. 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 World 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 World History exam results:

• “AP World History MC questions: students performed well across all units, but especially across the three 20th century ones (Units 7-9); 29% of students answered most or all of these questions correctly.”

• “AP World History students demonstrated strong knowledge and skills on Short Answer #1, cultural interactions between Hindus and Muslims in the Mughal empire, 1450-1750. 31% of students answered all parts of this question correctly. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-frq-world-history-set-1.pdf“

• “The most difficult question on this year’s AP World History Exam was Short Answer #4 on Western imperialism in Asia, 1800-1914: 11% of students answered all parts of this question correctly. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-frq-world-history-set-1.pdf“

• “The AP World History DBQ on communist rule in Soviet or Chinese societies from 1930-1990: 73% of students earned the thesis point; 43% earned contextualization; 89% earned 1+ evidence pt; 33% earned 1+ analysis/reasoning pt. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-frq-world-history-set-1.pdf“

• “AP World History Long Essays: Some excellent essays on each of these three topics, especially on Q2 & 3. Out of 6 points possible: 34% earned 5+ points on Q2; 34% earned 5+ points on Q3; and 19% earned 5+ points on Q4. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-frq-world-history-set-1.pdf“

How to (self) study for AP World, 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.      If you want to self-study, start early!

“If you are thinking of self studying this test, you should start way early because unlike us history this course has a lot of content that you need to know especially if you want to do well on the dbq and the saq.” – Score: 2

“Would be hard to self study due to FRQ, but very much able to do. Having a class makes a good advantage.” – Score: 4

“’Self studying might be hard due to lack of instruction for dbqs and leqs. teachers are helpful for helping you on these essay questions” – Score: 5

2. Regular practice is the key to success

“Do your readings on time! try doing practice writing prompts once a month and learn how to analyze documents. time management is essential to succeed in this course.” – Score: 4

“Don’t fall behind on material. Make sure to practice lots of SAQ, DBQ, LEQs and be familiar with the broad range of world history.” – Score: 5

“Don’t procrastinate. Trust me. Study well in advance and do it a little bit each day” – Score: 4

“Write as many SAQs DBQs and LEQs as you can. You have to practice the format of the test.” – Score: 5

“Go over actual stimulus questions from the AP Exam–they will help you much more than just basic vocab (although, that is incredibly important). Understand how history can connect with each other and how it intertwines through all the periods.” – Score: 3

“Do several practice SAQ’s, LEQ’s, and DBQ’s throughout the year. Hopefully your teacher will give out tests that include some of them during the course, but if they don’t, make sure you practice them regularly (especially towards the end of the year). Many kids who were in my class and other classes did not know how to structure their free response questions when it came to the actual exam and had, inevitably, no effective time management (this hurt them a lot, as FRQ’s are 60% of the exam score).” – Score: 5

3. Develop some useful study methods that work for you

“Make a cheat sheet with the most important people, events, and ideas for every time period. Also, if you are using AMSCO and/or Bentley, read the pages with summaries – they provide really good context that you can later use in a DBQ or an LEQ.” – Score: 5

“Read the chapters and go through the vocab. I started improving when my friends quizzed each other at lunch.” – Score: 5

“Don’t do what I did and wing it! Make sure you study and go back on what you learned. If your teacher allows it, try to make Kahoots or Quizlets for others in your class so you can all learn.” – Score: 3

“Making a brain map as you chronologically study the course. By this I mean taking the key concepts (as per CB) and events and dates and people and tying them in together. Know how to grt points for FRQs. Take practice tests, 2016 and if possible 2017” – Score: 4

“Definitely use a review book, and as you go through the year, find a way to organise or summarise what you learn. APWH is a lot of content and you definitely need to summarise it and miniaturise it to memorise the whole textbook for the exam.” – Score: 5

“Talking about the material in study groups was super helpful for me.” – Score: 4

4. There’s a lot to learn: good time management and resources will be essential …

“Stay on a schedule. Dedicate enough time for each chapter (it took me ability about 3-4 hrs to fully break down each one).” – Score: 4

“Pretty easy to take once you get the hang of it. def practice each of the portions and give yourself a little under the allotted time so you’ll be prepared once test day comes around.” – Score: 3

“’This is very content heavy, so start prepping as early as you can. … on youtube, these channels saved me : heimler’s history, stephanie gorges, anti social studies, crash course. also look at the CED on the collegeboard website for all the concepts that will be tested in one way or another.” – Score: 5

“Make sure you read your review books they help a lot. There really isn’t a secret tip or trick to this that I can think of, just study and do your work. Memorization is key” – Score: 5

“Watch videos instead of reading the review books if you are in a crunch for time. However if you have already read a review book you should still watch some videos as they are extremely helpful.” – Score: 5

“There are a lot of online pages that condense topics and make stuff easy to learn.” – Score: 4

Best books and test prep resources for AP World History

If you’re looking for the best books to study to help you ace AP World History, 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 World History compares to other classes: click here for our popular, definitive overview of all AP Classes ranked by difficulty.

Or compare how AP World compares to the other history courses with our deep-dives into AP US History and AP European 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!