Free Resources for Ap Macro and Micro

If you're reading this, you're probably a high school student trying to figure out how to tackle AP Macroeconomics and Microeconomics on your own—or maybe just looking to get ahead.  I found some awesome resources online that help me totally get these subjects and I want to share them with you.

Here’s what's working for me and most of my friends who scored 5 out o5, and how you can use these same tools.

Step 1: Understanding What You’re Getting IntoAP Econ might sound like it’s all graphs and GDP, but it’s really about understanding how choices are made—by countries, companies, and even you. Macro focuses on the big picture (like inflation and unemployment), while Micro zooms in on individual choices (like supply and demand for pizza).

🔗 My Top Resources for Self-Studying AP Econ1. Khan Academy🌐 Khan Academy – AP Macroeconomics

1. Khan Academy – AP Microeconomics

Why I like it:

• It’s free and organized by topic just like the AP curriculum.

• Sal Khan explains things clearly and slowly—perfect if you're starting from scratch. 

• Built-in practice quizzes help lock in what you just learned.

Downside:

• Can feel a bit slow if you already know the basics. (better to skip the videos on topics you've already mastered)

• Not as good for last-minute cramming—better for building understanding over time.

2. EconLowdown (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis)🌐 EconLowdown

Why it’s cool:

• Created by actual economists.

• Covers both high school and beginner college-level topics.

• Great videos and interactive activities.

Downside:

• Sometimes a bit dry or technical. 

• Not specifically aligned with the AP format.

3. ReviewEcon🌐 ReviewEcon.com

Why I used it:

• Amazing summary cheat sheets, flashcards, and AP-style practice questions.

• Organized perfectly for exam prep.

• Quick explanations and practice quizzes.

Watch out for:

• It doesn’t offer full video lessons—more of a “review” site.

• Best for second-time-around studying.

4. Jacob Clifford (YouTube Channel)🌐 ACDC Leadership – YouTube

Why he’s a legend:

• Jacob makes fun, high-energy videos that are easy to follow.

• Uses visuals and real-world examples.

• Short, focused lessons (and his memes aren’t bad either).

The catch:

• He goes fast—sometimes too fast.

• You’ll want to pause and replay often if you’re new.

5. Marginal Revolution University (MRU)🌐 Marginal Revolution University

Why I respect it:

• Run by college econ professors, but very beginner-friendly.

• Uses real-world questions (“Why are diamonds expensive?”) to explain concepts.

• Cool animations and visuals.

Just know:

• Not AP-specific, but concepts overlap really well.

• A few lessons may feel a bit advanced.

6. Crash Course Economics (YouTube)🌐 Crash Course Economics

Why it’s fun:

• Great visuals, fast-paced, very popular.

• Awesome for quick refreshers.

Heads up:

• Doesn’t go as deep into graphs or AP exam questions.

• More “fun learning” than exam prep.

Final Thoughts: How to Use These TogetherHere’s how I’d combine them for max results:

🔹 Start with Khan Academy to build your foundation.

🔹 Use Jacob Clifford and Crash Course to keep things light and memorable.

🔹 Test yourself on ReviewEcon regularly to find weak spots.

🔹 Explore MRU or EconLowdown when you want real-world applications or to go deeper.

🔹 Mix it up. If you get stuck on one resource, switch to another. Sometimes hearing the same idea in a different way makes it click.

Wish you all luck!