Calculating AP Scores?

Hey everyone, I'm a little confused on how AP scores are calculated. I know they're on a scale of 1-5, but what goes into determining the final score between the multiple-choice section and the free-response section? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! You're right that AP scores range from 1-5, with the calculation depending on two main parts — the multiple-choice section and the free-response section. Each section contributes to a weighted score that eventually leads to your final AP score. Let me break it down for you:

I. Multiple-choice section: This section is usually worth around 50% of your total AP exam score. Your raw score for this section is calculated based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers on AP exams, so it's crucial to try every multiple-choice question even if you're unsure about the answer.

II. Free-response section: This section typically composes the remaining 50% of your total AP exam score, although the exact percentage can vary depending on the specific subject. Here, graders are looking for key elements in your response such as your ability to analyze, synthesize, or solve problems. They assign a raw score on a specific point scale per question, which varies by exam.

Once you have a raw score for each section, they will be weighted according to their percentage contribution towards the overall score. After that, the College Board converts these weighted scores (also known as "composite scores") into AP scores on the 1-5 scale using a process called "scaling". This is done to ensure consistency across various administration years, different forms, and even test-takers' ability. The exact conversion process and tables are not publicly disclosed, so it's very difficult to predict the exact score you will receive.

That being said, your focus should be on performing well in both sections, mastering the subject matter, and practicing sample tests and questions. This way, you'll maximize your chances of achieving a high AP exam score (4 or 5), indicating your strong proficiency in the subject matter. Good luck!