Hey guys! I'm taking a couple of AP classes this year, and I'm not totally clear on how the exams are graded. I've heard there's a scale? Can anyone break it down for me?
Absolutely, happy to help clarify this for you!
The AP (Advanced Placement) exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Here's a brief breakdown:
- Score of 5: This is the highest possible score you can receive. It's described as "Extremely well qualified" in the subject matter. Essentially, it signifies that you have a thorough grasp of the material and could presumably succeed in a college course on that topic.
- Score of 4: Known as "Very well qualified". It shows that you have a strong understanding and substantially above average proficiency in the topic.
- Score of 3: Described as "Qualified". This signifies that you've demonstrated a solid understanding of the material and are likely ready for college-level coursework in it.
- Score of 2: Labeled as "Possibly qualified". This suggests that you're on the cusp of understanding the material but might struggle with a college-level course in the subject.
- Score of 1: Deemed "No recommendation". It indicates that you haven't shown sufficient understanding of the course material.
It's important to note that different colleges have different policies for credit and/or placement for AP scores. Many require at least a score of 3 for credit, but some may require 4 or 5, depending on the subject.
This is why it's crucial to aim for as high a score as possible—not only does it reflect a comprehensive understanding of the material, but it can potentially save you time and money in college if you're able to skip introductory coursework in that subject.
Hope this helps—best of luck with your AP classes and exams!
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