Scoring

Information About Scoring

The multiple-choice sections of the exams are scored by computer. The free-response sections and through-course performance assessments are evaluated by experienced AP teachers and college professors, called readers, who spend a week in June scoring answers at the AP Reading.

Development of Scores

While colleges and universities are responsible for setting their own credit and placement policies, AP scores offer a recommendation on how qualified students are to receive college credit or placement:

5 = extremely well qualified
4 = well qualified
3 = qualified
2 = possibly qualified
1 = no recommendation

Before these scores are determined, however, a number of intermediate steps are taken:

1. The multiple-choice section is scored by computer. Multiple-choice scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers or unanswered questions.

2. Scores are assigned to individual essays or problems in the free-response section by readers (high school and college educators) at the AP Reading. These scores are based on detailed scoring guidelines established by the Development Committee. All free responses on the end-of-course exam (including AP Seminar), AP Art and Design submissions, and individual written components of performance tasks (in AP Computer Science Principles, AP Seminar, and AP Research) are scored by readers. The Presentation and Oral Defense components of the AP Seminar and AP Research performance tasks are scored by the classroom teacher. All AP Seminar and AP Research teachers are certified to score their students' performance tasks within College Board guidelines.

3. A composite score is created from the combined scores on the multiple-choice and free-response sections.

4. The conversion from the composite scores to the reported AP scores is determined by establishing 4 score boundaries on the composite score scale. The score boundaries for each exam are based primarily on statistical equating to scores on a previous year’s exam. Periodically, and for new and redesigned exams, the initial score boundaries are established through the process of panel-based standard setting.

AP Score Reports

AP score reports are cumulative and include scores for all AP Exams a student has ever taken, unless the student has requested that one or more scores be canceled or withheld from a college. AP scores and any information furnished by students to the AP Program are treated as confidential.

Students must sign in to apscore.org to view their scores. AP score reports are available in July to designated colleges and universities, students, high schools, and districts. They are released to a college only with the students’ authorization, as designated in My AP (myap.collegeboard.org) or on subsequent score report requests. Although most AP score reports are available in July, some reports take longer to process due to late testing or other special circumstances (e.g., late arrival of testing materials or extra time needed to match student records).

NOTE: There may be other circumstances that could delay a student’s score. If a student’s AP score is delayed, this will be indicated on their online score report. Students testing late may have their score(s) delayed up to a month.

More information about score reporting and the withholding or cancellation of scores is available at apstudents.org/srs.

Use of AP Exam Scores

AP Exam scores are used by colleges in granting credit, advanced placement, or both for a course in a particular subject. Because preparation for AP Exams involves work equivalent to that for introductory college courses, College Board recommends that colleges award credit to students who receive AP scores of 3, 4, or 5 and admit such students to appropriately advanced courses. Students seeking credit through their AP scores should note that each college or university, not the AP Program or College Board, determines the nature and extent of its policies for awarding credit, advanced placement, or both. Because policies regarding AP scores vary, students should consult the AP policy of individual colleges and universities. They can find this information in a college’s catalog or on its website, or by using the AP Credit Policy Info search at apstudents.org/creditpolicy.