APUSH: What percent is needed for a 5?

I'm taking AP US History now and wondering what percent of the total points I'd need to score a 5 on the exam. I want to estimate how close I am to getting that score and create a study plan around it directly. Thanks in advance!

While the exact percentage needed for a 5 on the AP US History exam may vary slightly from year to year due to the exam's curve, in general, students aiming for a 5 should target around 70-75% of the total points. This percentage is based on the historical distribution of scores and how they are adjusted each year based on the overall student performance.

The APUSH exam is divided into four sections:

1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): 55 questions (40% of score)

2. Short-Answer Questions (SAQs): 3 questions (20% of score)

3. Document-Based Question (DBQ): 1 question (25% of score)

4. Long Essay Question (LEQ): 1 question (15% of score)

To achieve a 5, you should aim to answer at least 70-75% of the MCQs correctly, provide strong responses to the SAQs, write a well-structured and evidence-based DBQ, and deliver a coherent LEQ with strong arguments. Keep in mind that these percentages are rough estimates, and the exam is scored holistically, so it's important to strike a balance in your preparation and not focus solely on one section.

Based on your current performance, you can tailor your study plan around the areas you need to improve. For example, if you're scoring lower on the MCQs, consider practicing with more multiple-choice questions and reviewing content areas you find challenging. Likewise, if DBQs or LEQs are your weak point, focus on improving your essay writing skills, integrating evidence, and building strong arguments.

To learn even more about AP scoring, give our post about it a read: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-are-ap-exams-scored-heres-the-breakdown/.

Remember that consistent practice and studying over time will be key to achieving your goal. Good luck!