Hi! I'm scheduled to take the AP Government exam this year, and I'm wondering how long the test takes. If anyone has any experience with the exam, please let me know the time breakdown and any tips for time management during the test.
Hi there! The AP Government and Politics exam is broken down into two sections, and the total time allotted for the test is 3 hours.
Section I is the multiple-choice section, which consists of 55 questions. You will have 80 minutes to complete this part of the exam, which accounts for 50% of your total score. To pace yourself during this section, aim to spend around 1-1.5 minutes per question. Be sure to read each question carefully and eliminate any incorrect answer choices before selecting your final answer.
Section II is the free-response section, which includes four questions. You will have 100 minutes to complete this part of the exam, which accounts for the other 50% of your total score. The time breakdown for this section is as follows:
- Question 1: Concept Application (20 minutes)
- Question 2: Quantitative Analysis (30 minutes)
- Question 3: SCOTUS Comparison (20 minutes)
- Question 4: Argument Essay (30 minutes)
Keep an eye on the time, and try to stick to the recommended allotment for each question to manage your time effectively. In the free-response section, make sure to fully address all parts of the question and provide clear, well-organized responses with relevant examples. Outlining your response before writing can help you ensure you cover all the necessary points.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so consider taking timed practice exams or working on individual sections with a timer to get comfortable with the pacing.
Finally, consider checking out CollegeVine's comprehensive overview of the AP Government exam, which breaks down the exam structure in more detail, as well as the topics covered, and provides some study tips: https://blog.collegevine.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-u-s-government-and-politics-exam/. Good luck on your AP Government exam!
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