Preparing for the AP art history test is a lot of work: There are images to recognize, movements to learn and dates to memorize. Studying for the test can definitely be manageable, though, if you start early and prepare efficiently. Here are some tips to help you earn a great score on the exam.
Instructions
1. Make flashcards for the images you cover in each chapter. Gather pictures of each image online, print them and paste them onto index cards. Write the title of the work, the artist's name and the date on the back of each card. Do this throughout the year as you go through the textbook's chapters with your class. That way, when it's time to study for the AP exam, you'll already have a big collection of flashcards to review. Studying flashcards will especially help you prepare for the slide-based parts of the test.
2. Use flashcards to memorize terms as well. Knowing art-related words--for example, "chiaroscuro"--gives you an advantage for all parts of the test, but especially the essays. Being able to describe a work of art using the proper terminology, such as "chiaroscuro" rather than "light and dark," proves that you're knowledgeable about the subject, which is important to the people who will grade your essays.
3. Create a list of major artistic periods and styles. After reviewing a chapter in your textbook or class notes, write a short summary of the characteristics and key points of each one. Writing the information down will help you remember it more easily. Read through the summaries for review.
4. Buy review books. Though you shouldn't rely on them as your sole source of information, they can provide a great overview and will focus you on the most important points to know. There are several review books available specific to the APart history test. The Research & Education Association's guide has gotten especially good reviews. Try reading "the Annotated Mona Lisa" for a concise summary of art history, though it is not AP-specific.
5. Take practice tests, which you can obtain in a review book or on the AP website (see Resources below). Knowing what types of questions to expect--especially the essays--will make the test seem less daunting. Familiarity is key.
6. Ask your teacher to hold a few after-school review sessions in the days before the test, or make a study group with other people in your class. Reviewing with friends could help you pick up on facts you may have missed, and together you can work through the trickier parts of memorization. (Gothic architecture, anyone?)
7. Start studying in advance. Don't wait till the week before--it's impossible to cram centuries of art history into your brain over the course of a few days. Allowing yourself a reasonable amount of time to review will make it manageable, and you'll be less stressed out on the day of the test.
