If you want to study in college, you will not have to take an AP exam. While studying for the AP exam you will be thinking about how the AP test scores is calculated. You will have to study hard for four four-hour exams. Your hard work will be paid off with the score you always wanted to achieve. However, your hard work will be rated and scored according to your performance in the exam.
The AP exam will be scored by five numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. “1” will be the lowest and “5” will be the highest. Your score will help you to evaluate where you fall. In this post, we will inform you about everything related to the AP test score. Continue reading the following.
How Are AP Tests Scored?
Knowing how the AP test is scored can help you prepare more effectively. The AP test score is scored in two main sections. The multiple choice and free response. The scoring process is slightly different for each subject. Here is a general breakdown:
1. Multiple-Choice Section
Each subject has a distinct multiple-choice question area. The answers are graded by the computer. Each correct answer will be added to your score. Also, there are no penalties for any wrong or blank answers. In simple words, the score is just the number of correct responses.
2. Free-Response Section
This portion will be scored by the educators and professors during the annual AP reading event. If you were wondering why AP scores are issued in July then it is because the reading event is held in June. Even though the exam is taken in May. Rather than just looking at minor mistakes, free responses are graded on a “holistic” scale. A 9 is almost perfect when it comes to free responses. You don’t usually get penalized for minor mistakes like spelling or grammar.
3. Final Score Calculation
After both sections are graded, the College Board calculates your composite score, which is a combination of your multiple-choice and free-response results. Then, this composite score is converted into a scaled score, ensuring that scores are consistent across years, even if the test difficulty varies.
For specific weightings of each section or more details on your exam, you can refer to the official AP courses pages. Keep in mind, that the free-response section is graded in-depth by AP educators, so talking to your teacher about the AP test score and grading process can give you valuable insights.
How To Check AP Scores?
When you are attempting the AP exam held in May the only way to check the AP test score is online. You can get your score report on the Collegeboard website in July. If your email was correct on the AP exam sheet then you can get your report there. You can check and download it. When you notice your score is available you can do the following:
1- Visit the myap.collegeboard.org and log on to your college board account. If you have previously registered for SAT Test then the same account can be used for this purpose. If you don’t have any then create a new account by entering your personal details and academic information.
2- Fill out the AP number prompt. A card with an AP number will be given to you when you sign up for an AP test. When you’re logged in, click on ‘I don’t have my AP number’ and a prompt will pop up asking for your email address.
Now you will have every detail of your AP test score. If you are wondering when AP scores come out then it comes usually in July.
What Do You Need To Pass An AP Exam?
When preparing for the AP exam then you will need to go for a score of 3 or higher. It is recommended by the College Board and the American Council on Education. Usually, the AP test score is scored on a scale of 1-5 where:
1: Extremely well-qualified
2: Well-qualified
3: Qualified (the typical threshold for earning college credit or placement)
4: Possibly qualified
5: No recommendation
College and School Policies:
Though a 3 score is considered effective and suitable for most students many colleges and universities prefer a “4” or “5” for credit or placement in advanced courses. Before aiming for your desired score, check the score policy of the institute you are interested in.
AP Scoring Process:
Your final AP score will be the combination of:
- Multiple-choice Score: Based on the number of correct answers (no penalty for wrong answers).
- Free-Response Score: Graded holistically by AP educators during the AP Reading.
Score Weighting:
Your final AP test score depends on the final score of each section. For example, the multiple choice and free response sections will be equally assessed. However one may have slightly more impact.
Preparation Tips to Pass:
- Understand the exam format and content.
- Practice with official AP resources and past exams.
- Focus on time management for both multiple-choice and free-response sections.
Preparing for AP Exams
When it comes to preparing for the AP exam, you can find a wide range of resources online these days. Platforms such as Ivy Test Prep and others offer video courses and tutorials so you can prepare efficiently for the test.
AP exam review courses found online include:
| Category | Courses |
|---|---|
| Science | AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science |
| History | AP European History, AP World History, AP U.S. History |
| English | AP English Literature, AP English Language |
| Math | AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC |
| Social Science | AP US Government and Politics, AP Comparative Government and Politics |
Final Thoughts
To make things easier about AP test scores you should fully understand the scoring policy of your desired college. The more reputed institutes and Ivy Ap Prep will require you to have a 4 or a 5. However, 3 isn’t a bad score if you are going to a less selective school. If you couldn’t qualify for the more selective institute then 3 can be a sufficient score to start. Receiving 1 or 2 shouldn’t be disheartening for you. Study and prepare harder to thoroughly understand the material. Your AP exam preparation and score will help you in the long run. Just aim for the best and perhaps harder.
