Does anyone understand how the AP grading scale percentage works? (2024)

I'm a little confused about how the AP exams are scored. Like, what percent correct do I need for a 5? Does anyone have a breakdown of the grading scale or some percentage benchmarks that could guide my studying?

9 months ago

I totally get how this can be a bit confusing! You're not alone—lots of students wonder about the grading scale for AP exams. Here's a little breakdown to help guide you. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score you can achieve. Each AP exam has a unique scoring formula because the distribution of questions and the subject matter varies from one test to another.

For instance, the percentage needed for a 5 on one exam might be different for another exam. It's important to note that the scoring is also curved to some degree—the College Board uses a statistical process called 'equating,' which accounts for minor differences in difficulty between different versions of the test. Basically, they want to ensure that a score of 5 one year reflects the same level of achievement as a score of 5 in any other year, regardless of the test's specific difficulty.

As for percentages, these aren't usually released by the College Board. However, historical data sometimes shows that for many exams, you might need to correctly answer at least 70-80% of questions to land a 5, but again, it varies by subject. The best strategy is to check out the College Board's AP Central website for resources on the exam you're taking and also to practice with released exams to get a feel for the type and difficulty of questions asked. And remember, focus on mastering the material, not just aiming for a score—deep understanding leads to better results!

Also, keep in mind that while a 5 is great, many colleges give credit for a score of 3 or higher, and sometimes your score can even help place you in more advanced classes when you start college. Good luck with your studying!

9 months ago