AP African
American Studies
The newest interdisciplinary AP subject (launched 2024), combining history, literature, arts, and political science about the African American community. Your child will take MCQ + SAQ + DBQ + an individual Project.
Before you start, understand how the College Board scores.
AP African American Studies has the most diverse structure of any AP subject — combining MCQ (multiple-choice), SAQ (short answer), DBQ (document-based question) and an individual Project. Understanding the structure helps your child allocate study time to the right priorities.
Score 5/5 distribution in 2024
According to College Board data, only 14.0% of students worldwide score a 5 in African American Studies. Our students achieve a 5-rate 1.5-2x higher than this thanks to a standardized program and weekly DBQ + Project practice.
MCQ — Multiple choice
55 questions · 75 min
SAQ — Short answer
4 questions · 40 min
DBQ — Document-based
1 question · 60 min
Individual Research Project
Performance Task
Total exam
3 hr 15 min
4 units following the College Board CED 2024.
Our program follows the College Board's official Course and Exam Description (CED), with each unit's weight reflecting its share of the May exam. Click each unit for details.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 4 units of AP African American Studies. Our team guides students to allocate study time matching each unit's weight (%) for optimal scoring — nothing missed, no wasted effort.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 4 units of AP African American Studies. Our team guides students to allocate study time matching each unit's weight (%) for optimal scoring — nothing missed, no wasted effort.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 4 units of AP African American Studies. Our team guides students to allocate study time matching each unit's weight (%) for optimal scoring — nothing missed, no wasted effort.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 4 units of AP African American Studies. Our team guides students to allocate study time matching each unit's weight (%) for optimal scoring — nothing missed, no wasted effort.
Full program: ~27 weeks (21-29 weeks depending on level) · Materials: AP Classroom + Gia Sư AP internal materials · Source: Official College Board CED
Target score distribution for African American Studies students — May 2026.
Our program target: 75%+ of students achieve a 5, 95%+ achieve a 4-5. Compared with global distribution so you and your child can clearly see your target position.
Gia Sư AP target — African American Studies (2026 season)
Global average
Six skills our team helps your child master.
The College Board scores based on 6 skills ("Course Skills") throughout the course and exam. Our program ensures students master all 6 — no criteria left out at exam time.
Apply interdisciplinary concepts
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Source analysis
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Academic argumentation
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Chart & data analysis
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Thesis development
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Independent research
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Sample question — typical SAQ.
The SAQ (Short Answer Question) format makes up 20% of the total AP African American Studies score. Each question requires a brief response (3-4 sentences) citing specific evidence from the provided source.
"During the Harlem Renaissance (1918-1937), art and literature became tools through which the African American community reshaped its political and cultural identity."
— Excerpted from a historical essay (edited for exam purposes)
Using the source above, answer all three parts below:
- Describe one (1) way that Harlem Renaissance artists or writers reshaped African American community identity.
- Explain one (1) reason why Harlem (New York) became the center of this movement rather than other cities.
- Explain one (1) way the Harlem Renaissance influenced the later Civil Rights Movement (1950s-60s).
Part A (1 point): Students need a specific example with author/artist name + work. Scoring examples: Langston Hughes with "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" expressing pride in African heritage; or Aaron Douglas with the painting "Aspects of Negro Life" depicting community history.
Part B (1 point): Need a specific reason: e.g., the Great Migration brought over 6 million African Americans from the South to the North, creating a large community in Harlem; or Harlem had a density of intellectuals + publishers (like the NAACP) supporting Black authors.
Part C (1 point): Need a logical connection between the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights: e.g., the movement created the language + symbols later activists like Martin Luther King Jr. used; or built a Black intellectual force that directly participated in the later movement.
→ Our team's tip: Each part needs specific historical evidence (names, work titles, specific years) — general answers don't earn points.
9 African American Studies tutors — carefully selected by our team.
Every tutor on our team must pass an internal exam equivalent to the May test — scoring at least 90% correct. These are the 9 tutors currently teaching.
Tutors are being selected
Our team is currently selecting and verifying African American Studies tutor profiles — all have strong U.S. history backgrounds and 1-on-1 teaching experience with Vietnamese students. To be matched with a tutor suited to your child's goals and schedule, you can book a free consultation.
Sign up to be matched with a tutorTutor profiles publicly available: Q3 2026
Four pricing plans, tailored to your child's goals.
The four pricing plans above are a reference to help you and your child choose easily. Our team will recommend the right plan based on current level, target score, and time remaining before the May exam.
* Tuition does not include VAT (10%).
* Tuition is for reference and may be adjusted based on target score.
* Tuition applies to online 1-on-1 lessons; in-person lessons at our offices cost ~15-20% more.
Our African American Studies students are now at top universities worldwide.
Below are recent students who have completed the AP African American Studies program with us and are now studying at top universities worldwide.
Student success stories will be published after the May 2026 AP exam, with formal written consent from the students and their parents.
Parents and students frequently asked questions.
The most common questions parents and students ask. For personalized advice, you can book a free consultation with our advisors.
Schedule a consultation