Hello! I'm taking AP World History and I was wondering if anyone can explain how the exam is scored? Like how the multiple-choice, short answer, and essay portions are weighted? Thanks in advance for the help!
Hello! I'm happy to explain the scoring process for the AP World History exam. The exam consists of two main sections: Section 1 (multiple-choice and short-answer questions) and Section 2 (document-based question and long essay question).
Section 1 is worth 60% of your total exam score, while Section 2 accounts for the remaining 40%. Let me break it down further:
1. Section 1:
- Multiple-choice questions (55 questions, 55 minutes): This portion counts towards 40% of your total exam score. Each question has four possible answer choices. For every correct answer, you'll get a point. There's no penalty for incorrect answers or skipped questions.
- Short-answer questions (3 questions, 40 minutes): This part contributes 20% to your total exam score. You'll need to answer one required question and then choose two out of three additional questions to answer. Each question typically has 3-4 parts (labeled A, B, C, etc.), and you may be asked to provide a specific fact, example, or explanation for each part.
2. Section 2:
- Document-based question (DBQ) (1 question, 60 minutes): This section is worth 25% of your total exam score. You'll be given a set of documents (usually 7) related to a specific historical topic or theme. Your task is to analyze these documents and use them as evidence to support your argument in a well-organized essay. Bear in mind that 15 minutes of the 60 minutes allocated to the DBQ is designated for document reading and planning. Remember to also put the documents into historical context and provide strong thesis statements.
- Long essay question (LEQ) (1 question, 40 minutes): This comprises 15% of your overall exam score. You'll be given a choice of three essay prompts and required to choose one. Your response should show a deep understanding of the topic, a clear and well-structured argument, and solid evidence from specific historical examples and events.
Once the exam is completed, your responses are scored by AP readers who are experts in the subject matter. Each component gets a raw score, which will then be converted to a scaled score in the range of 1-5. A score of 3 or higher is considered passing, while many colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement for scores of 4 and 5.
I hope this helps clarify the scoring system for the AP World History exam. Best of luck with your studies!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.