How are the APs scored?

How are the APs scored?

How are the APs scored? Scoring Scale

Score	Meaning	Implication
5	Extremely well qualified	Equivalent to an A or A+ in a college-level course.
4	Well qualified	Equivalent to a strong B or low A in a college-level course.
3	Qualified	Equivalent to a B or C in a college-level course; often the minimum score for college credit.
2	Possibly qualified	Indicates partial understanding of the material, unlikely to earn college credit.
1	No recommendation	Indicates insufficient understanding of the material.

Scoring Components Each exam includes two sections - Multiple Choice and Free Response Section. 1. Multiple Choice Section -

• Each accurate answer yields one point.
• There are no consequences for wrong responses (based on current upgrades).
• Raw score = total number of 8 answers.

2. Free Response Section -

• During the AP reading sections, certified AP teachers and college faculty scored the assignment.
• Scoring is guided by subject-specific rubrics.
• Scores from this part are added to the raw multiple- choice score.

3. Composite Score Conversion

• The raw scores from both parts are combined to provide a composite score (which typically ranges from 0 to 150, but varies by topic).
• The composite score is then transformed to the final score on a scale of 1 to 5.
• The exact conversion from composite to final scores varies by year and subject, depending on difficulty and statistical analysis.

Weighting of Sections The weight of each segment varies depending on the exam subject. Example: AP Calculus AB

• Multiple- choice: 50%.
• Free choice: 50%.

In AP US History

• multiple choice and short-answer questions account for 60%.
• Essay (DBQ and Long Essay): 40%

Additional Scoring

• Scaled Scores - Adjustments maintain fairness across exam versions and years.
• Subscores ( for certain examinations): certain AP tests have subscores for individual parts. For example, if AP Calculus AB is taken together with AP Calculus BC, the subscores are provided.
• Scores are available online on the College Board webpage in JULY of the exam years.

College Credit Policies

• Colleges set the minimum AP score needed to provide credit or placement.
• A 3 is typically acceptable, however competitive colleges may need a 4 or 5 for credit.