Understanding AP Human Geography scoring guidelines

Hello! So I'm currently preparing for the AP Human Geography exam, and I want to get a better understanding of the scoring guidelines. How is the exam scored, and what do I need to achieve a good score? Thanks for your help!

Hello! It's a great idea to familiarize yourself with the scoring guidelines for the AP Human Geography exam, as it helps you strategize your preparation. Here's a breakdown of the exam structure and how the scoring works:

The AP Human Geography exam is divided into two parts, each contributing to your final score:

1. Multiple-Choice Section (50% of your total score)

- This section consists of 60 questions.

- You are given 60 minutes to complete this part.

- Each question carries equal weight, so your raw score for this section is calculated based on the number of questions you answer correctly.

2. Free-Response Section (50% of your total score)

- This section consists of 3 free-response questions (FRQs).

- You are given 75 minutes to complete this part.

- Each FRQ is graded on a scale of 0-7, with 7 being the highest possible score. The 3 FRQs are weighted equally, and together determine your raw score for this section.

Once you've completed both sections, your raw scores are combined and converted into a composite score ranging from 1 to 5. The composite score is what determines your final AP score. Here's the general breakdown of how the composite score translates to the final AP score:

- 5: Extremely well qualified

- 4: Well qualified

- 3: Qualified

- 2: Possibly qualified

- 1: No recommendation

To achieve a good score (say, a 4 or 5), aim to ace the multiple-choice section and give thoughtful, well-structured responses in the free-response section. Practice taking timed exams, and review regularly. Familiarize yourself with the concepts, theories, and models relevant to human geography, and work on your essay-writing skills to convey your understanding effectively.

Keep in mind that the specific thresholds for each AP score may vary slightly from year to year, based on the performance of all test takers. However, if you focus on mastering the material and practice diligently, you should be well-prepared for the exam. Good luck!