Hey guys, I just got back my APUSH scores and I'm not quite sure what to make of them. Can anyone explain how these scores work and what’s considered a 'good' score? Any tips on how possibly I can improve if I choose to retake the exam?
AP US History (APUSH) exam scores, like all AP exams, are on a scale of 1 to 5. Here's a brief breakdown:
1. Score of 5: These are rare and indicate an extremely well-qualified student who has done excellent work on the exam. According to the College Board, about 9.5% of students get 5s on the APUSH exam.
2. Score of 4: This indicates a very capable student. Many colleges will give credit for a score of 4. Nearly 20% of students get a score of 4.
3. Score of 3: This is generally considered 'passing' on an AP exam. A student with a 3 has proven they've understood the material at a college level. A majority of students (53.6%) score a 3 on the APUSH exam.
4. Score of 2: Students scoring a 2 have some understanding of the material, but not at a level most colleges would require.
5. Score of 1: This student is not prepared at the college level on this topic.
As for improving, I'll recommend a few strategies:
- Use review books such as Barron's or Princeton Review for focused practice on test-like material.
- Practice writing essays under time constraints to improve your writing speed and efficiency.
- If your school has an APUSH study group, join it, or consider creating one if it doesn't already exist.
Remember, if you choose to retake the exam next year, you'll need to do so in May, as that's when AP exams are typically administered. Before you make this decision, also consider how important a higher AP score is for your college goals, or whether your time might be better spent on other academic or extracurricular efforts.
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