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Understanding AP exam scores—what's perfect?

Quick one, guys! I see everyone talking about aiming for 5s, but what is actually considered a 'perfect score' on an AP exam? Are there other factors that go into scoring besides just the 1-5 scale? Thanks in advance!

6 months ago

Hello there! Great question! AP exam scores range from 1 to 5, with a 5 labeled as 'extremely well qualified' to receive college credit or advanced placement. You could think of a 5 as the standard for perfection in this context, as it is the highest score possible.

However, keep in mind that the score is just a summary of your performance. The score is determined using your performance on both a multiple-choice section and a free-response section of the exam. For some exams, there may also be an oral or listening component, like for AP foreign language courses. The College Board converts your raw scores from these sections into a scaled score that ranges from 1 to 5.

So, while colleges often view a 5 as excellent, scoring a 4 is also viewed very favorably. Many colleges and universities give credit for scores of 3 and above, but this varies by institution and sometimes by the specific course as well. Hope this helps clarify things for you!

6 months ago

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