AP Test Scoring

I'm taking a few AP classes this year and was wondering how they score the tests. Could someone please give me an overview of the AP test scoring process? I'm a little curious about it.

Absolutely, happy to share some information on this! The AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Here's a simple breakdown:

1. AP exams are typically divided into two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. For most exams, the multiple-choice section accounts for half of your final score and the free-response section accounts for the other half.

2. Each question in the multiple-choice section is worth one point. In the free-response section, the number of points per question can vary and is determined by a specific rubric.

3. After all the questions on your test are graded, your raw score is calculated. This raw score is just the total number of points you earned from correctly answering questions. It does not account for wrong answers or questions you left blank.

4. Your raw score is then converted into a scaled score using a process known as equating. Equating takes into account the slight variations in difficulty among different versions of the exam (especially important as exams are administered in different parts of the world).

5. This equating process is what ultimately results in your final score on the 1 to 5 scale. Each exam has its own unique equating formula, so the scale isn’t exactly the same for all exams, but in general, a score of 3 is typically equivalent to a grade of ‘C’, 4 to a grade of 'B’ and 5 to a grade of 'A’ at the college level.

Keep in mind that while a score of 3 is often considered passing, specific credit policies can vary by college, and some may require a 4 or 5 to grant credit or placement. Hope this clarifies the process for you! Good luck with your AP classes.