Understanding AP Physics 1 Scoring

Hey everyone! I'm currently in AP Physics 1 and aiming for a 5. How exactly does the scoring work though? I've heard about this 'curve' thing - does it mean that it's based on how everyone else does on the test?

Hey there! You're correct that AP exams are scored on a curve, but let's unpack that a bit.

AP scores range from 1 to 5 and are indeed determined by "curving" the raw scores that students earn. To clarify, the curve doesn't mean your score is relative to the performance of others who take the test in the same season; rather, the curve is established through a process called equating.

During the AP exam development process, a committee of college faculty and AP teachers ensure that the exam satisfies the course learning objectives. Then, through equating, the exam is calibrated so that scores are comparable across years. Each year, the College Board also conducts a scoring standard setting with college faculty in the corresponding discipline to confirm the validity of the scales.

The curve ensures that a 5 on the AP Physics 1 exam, for example, represents similar knowledge and achievement across different years, regardless of whether the test was slightly easier or harder in one year compared to another.

Remember, the AP Physics 1 exam is made up of two sections — a multiple-choice section and a free-response section — each of which accounts for 50% of your final score. Answering more questions correctly in both sections will of course strengthen your score.

Each multiple-choice question earns you a point for a correct answer and no points for an incorrect answer or skipped question. In the free-response section, points are awarded for each part of the question answered correctly, and partial credit can be earned.

Add up the scores from each section, adjust them to fit the 1-5 scale according to the AP curve, and you get your final AP score! Best of luck as you aim for that 5!