AP Psychology Score Scale
To help you understand how your performance on the AP Psychology exam translates into your final score, here’s a breakdown of the scoring system. The Advanced Placement (AP) exams typically convert your raw scores from the multiple-choice and free-response sections into a standardized AP score ranging from 1 to 5. This scale determines your mastery of the subject matter. Below is a simplified version of how raw scores might typically convert to scaled scores.
| Raw Score Range | Estimated AP Score |
|---|---|
| 113-150 | 5 (Extremely Well Qualified) |
| 93-112 | 4 (Well Qualified) |
| 77-92 | 3 (Qualified) |
| 65-76 | 2 (Possibly Qualified) |
| 0-64 | 1 (No Recommendation) |
Please note, these ranges are illustrative and can vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty and scoring decisions.
FAQs Section
Common Questions
Q1: How is the AP Psychology exam scored?
A: The AP Psychology exam includes a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The multiple-choice section constitutes two-thirds of your total score, while the free-response section makes up the remaining one-third. Your raw scores from both sections are combined and converted into the standardized AP score from 1 to 5.
Q2: What is a good score on the AP Psychology exam?
A: A score of 3 is considered passing, indicating you are “Qualified” in the subject matter. However, many students aim for a 4 or 5 to enhance their college applications, as these scores reflect a stronger understanding and mastery of the course content.
Q3: Are there any adjustments to scores based on exam difficulty?
A: Yes, the College Board may adjust the raw score needed for each AP score annually to account for variations in exam difficulty. This ensures that students are fairly evaluated each year.
Q4: How can I estimate my AP score based on my raw score?
A: You can use an AP score calculator, which estimates your scaled score based on inputted raw scores from practice tests or the actual exam. These calculators are available online and provide a handy tool for predicting your score.
Q5: What’s the difference between HL and SL in the IB course compared to AP exams?
A: The International Baccalaureate (IB) has Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses, which differ in depth and breadth of content. AP exams, including AP Psychology, do not distinguish between HL and SL but focus on comprehensive coverage at a level comparable to introductory college courses in the U.S.