Hey guys, I have a few AP tests coming up, and I was curious about the grading process. Are they graded on a curve? What's the difference between getting a 3, 4, or 5 on the test? Any insights would be helpful!
AP tests are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Here's a general breakdown of what each score represents:
1. No recommendation - The student demonstrates little or no understanding of the subject matter.
2. Possibly qualified - The student demonstrates some understanding of the subject matter but may not be ready for college-level work in the subject.
3. Qualified - The student has demonstrated sufficient understanding of the subject matter to potentially succeed in a college-level course.
4. Well qualified - The student demonstrates a solid grasp of the subject matter and would likely do well in a college-level course.
5. Extremely well qualified - The student demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter and is highly prepared to excel in a college-level course.
AP tests are not scored on a traditional curve, but the scoring process does take into account the difficulty of the test. The tests consist of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions (such as essays or problem-solving). The multiple-choice section is generally scored by a computer, while the free-response section is scored by a team of qualified educators, who follow a specific rubric provided by the College Board.
The scores from the multiple-choice and free-response sections are combined and then converted to the 1-5 scale through a process called equating. Equating accounts for minor variations in test difficulty from year to year, ensuring that your score reflects your mastery of the subject matter rather than how your performance compares to other students who took the test.
Colleges and universities have different policies regarding AP scores and credit or placement. Generally, a score of 3 or higher is considered "passing," but many schools require a 4 or 5 to grant college credit or advanced placement in the subject. It's a good idea to research the specific AP credit policies at the colleges you're interested in to understand how your scores may affect your college experience.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.