AP U.S. History is a demanding introduction to American history and culture that assumes a high level of interest and competence. Because this course is similar to a first-year college course, students should expect that the workload will be heavier than most regular high school history courses. The analytical thinking, writing, and reading skills that students develop in AP U.S. History will equip them for college and lifelong learning.

In order to succeed, students need both to be motivated to study and to be able to keep up with the demands of a college-level course. By taking the AP Exam at the end of the course, students have the opportunity to demonstrate that they have, indeed, learned college-level material and are prepared to enter advanced college courses.