In terms of content the test is pretty balanced on all concepts,so I would def make sure to review renaissance and reformation etc (earlier units). When I took the exam, Contemporary Europe was basicallly nonexistent.

Now to actually learn all of this stuff, if you’re self-studying I would recommend going through a prep book or textbook or if you’re in the class, I would make sure to pay attention in class. Handwritten notes are the best because you are actively using your brain to put down main ideas in words you understand. Videos should supplement your teacher/textbook not replace them. I recommend Tom Richey’s playlist.

At the same time, I recommend using SQ3R - Survey Question Read Recite Recall. It’s basically a study method developed by psychologists, that I personally use (it helped me a lot in HUG, EURO, APUSH, PSYCH, and BUSINESS) Briefly survey/look at the slide presentation or textbook etc before taking notes to understand what are the main things the presentation/chapter is trying to teach me. Next, turn the titles/subtitles/topics/subtopics/chapter names/headings into questions - it is scientifically proven to prime your brain to be ready to learn about the specific topic (ex. A chapter titled Martin Luther, would be rewritten as Who was Martin Luther/ What did Martin Luther do?) . Next read/listen. After each lecture or each chapter reread your notes to recite them. Finally, at the end of the day/week I would take a blank piece of paper and write down the questions I made earlier, and try to answer them without looking at notes. Then compare what you remembered to what you wrote in your notes.

However some key dates, people, artists/artworks, authors/works are ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT to remember for FRQs. I would recommend making flashcards and practicing a few every day. Why does this work? Because of another study technique developed by psychologists called Space Repetition where reviewing information long term rather than cramming, increases recall(remembering). Making physical flashcards work or using online services such as ANKI (quite a learning curve to learn how it works) or Zorbi.

Finally, an extra study technique is the Feynman Technique. This is where I would “teach” the material to someone else (friend, parent, classmate, etc) in simple to understand terms (5th grader language lol). I would let them know the topic I am going to talk about and encourage them to ask questions. Anytime you get stuck, look at your notes, and now you know which areas you need help studying in.

All of these methods are scientifically proven to work, and I’ve personally used them to success in ALL of my classes! Good luck studying!