APUSH is a class where you need to figure out how much you can "cheat". It isn't real cheating but there are shortcuts to the work depending on how much you already know. Because it is US history a lot of the students know a majority of the material so can get away with not reading the textbook and using the outline for notes. But it you do not have a good grasp on the information the tests and essays will show that you took the shortcuts when you were not proficient with the material. The class is very interesting and the teachers both have fun activities and teach the material well. I recommend finding a good group of other students in the class that you can collaborate on because it makes the class a lot more manageable.