How do AP test curves work?

I've heard that AP test scores are curved, but I'm not really sure how it works. Can anyone enlighten me on how the AP test curve is determined and how it could affect my final score?

AP test scores are indeed "curved," but it's more accurate to call it a "scaling process." Instead of a traditional curve that compares your performance to other students' performance, the AP exam scaling process converts your raw score (the number of points you earned through multiple-choice questions and free-response questions) into a scaled score that falls between 1 and 5.

This scaling process is designed to ensure that, for example, a 5 earned in 2024 reflects the same mastery of the material as a 5 earned in 2023, even though the exams were different. The scaling process for each AP exam is determined by the College Board in order to maintain consistency and reliability. Here's a general idea of how it works:

1. Raw scores are calculated for both the multiple-choice and the free-response sections. In most cases, you get 1 point for each correct multiple-choice answer and 0 points for incorrect or skipped answers. Free-response questions are graded by AP readers (usually teachers) according to a specific rubric created by the College Board.

2. The raw scores from both sections are then combined to create a composite score. The specific weights of the multiple-choice and free-response sections vary for different AP subjects, so check the College Board's website to find out the exact split for each exam.

3. The composite score is transformed into a scaled score between 1 and 5. The College Board uses a statistical technique called equating, which, as noted above, ensures that the scaled score represents the same level of achievement for each test version and across different years.

4. The scaled scores are then grouped into AP score categories (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), with each category corresponding to a specific level of college readiness. Generally, a score of 3 or higher is considered a passing score and can lead to college credit or advanced placement, although that depends on the college or university's policies - some schools only accept 4s or 5s.

It's important to note that the scaling process does not look at the performance of your peers who took the exam the same year. You're not competing against other students for a specific number of 5s, for example. Rather, the curve is designed to ensure that the 5 you receive one year demonstrates a similar level of achievement as a 5 received in another year, regardless of the exam's specific difficulty or participant performance.

If you're interested in knowing more about the AP grading process, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which walks you through each step, from section grading through the conversion to the five-point scale: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-are-ap-exams-scored-heres-the-breakdown/. I hope you find this information helpful, and good luck with your APs!