AP Exam scoring breakdown?

Hey AP veterans! Could any of you explain how AP exams are scored? I know it's from 1 to 5, but what does it take to get a 5? Or even a 4? Is it all based on the final exam, or do class grades factor into it? Thanks!

AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest achievable score. Here's a breakdown of what these scores generally represent:

- 5: Extremely well-qualified. The student has demonstrated exceptional mastery of the material.

- 4: Well-qualified. The student has shown a strong understanding of the material.

- 3: Qualified. The student is fully capable and has a complete understanding of the material.

- 2: Possibly qualified. The student could possibly receive college credit but may need further study.

- 1: No recommendation. The student did not demonstrate understanding of the material.

The score you receive on your AP exams is determined exclusively by your performance on the final AP exam taken at the end of the academic year. It's not influenced by your grades in the AP class at your school.

On the test, you'll have a mix of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions, which are scored differently. For the multiple-choice section, you get points for the questions you answer correctly. For the free-response section, you're graded on a points system, which varies based on the specific questions. For example, if a question has 5 possible points, you could receive anywhere from 0 to 5 points based on the quality of your response.

The points from both sections are then added together to form a composite score, which is then converted into the 5-point scale score.

I hope this helps! Study diligently, leverage your class resources, and consider utilizing AP test prep resources to help you achieve the score you aspire to. Good luck!