Hi guys, stressing out a little about my AP Physics C Mechanics test. Does anyone have any resources on how it's graded? I've heard of some online calculators, but not sure how reliable they are. Any info would help!
Sure, happy to help you understand the scoring for the AP Physics C: Mechanics test! It might help you to know how the College Board structures the grading for this exam.
The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is divided into two sections:
- Multiple Choice: This section has 35 questions and makes up 50% of your score. You have 45 minutes to complete this section.
- Free response: This section has 3 questions and makes up the other 50% of your score. You will have 45 minutes to complete this section.
Following the exam, your multiple choice answers are scanned and recorded, and your free-response answers are graded by collegiate professors and expert AP teachers during the annual AP Reading. The scores you receive on your multiple choice and free response sections are then combined and transformed into an AP score of 1-5.
There isn't a specific number of correct answers that guarantees a specific score, but based on recent historical data, these are the approximate number of points you'd need to get a certain score:
- A 5 is usually achievable with about 75% correct overall.
- Scoring a 4 usually requires about 60% correct overall.
- To get a 3, you usually need about 50% correct overall.
Given the difficulty of the exam, remember that you don't need to get every question right to get a good score. Also, these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year.
The official College Board website for AP students provides a scoring worksheet for practice exams that can give you a better idea. No online calculator will probably give you a 100% accurate prediction, but they can help give you a general sense of where you stand. And finally, using high-quality study materials and getting to know the material will be the most beneficial. Good luck with your test!
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