(MC: "+mcComposite.toFixed(1)+" + FRQ: "+frqComposite.toFixed(1)+")";}document.getElementById('breakdown').innerHTML=breakdownText;}
How to Use the AP Psych Calculator
The AP Psych calculator is designed to help students estimate their potential score on the College Board's Advanced Placement Psychology exam. By inputting your raw scores from practice multiple-choice sections and free-response questions (FRQs), you can see how they translate into the final 1-5 scale.
To get the most accurate result, follow these steps:
- Multiple Choice Correct
- Enter the number of questions you answered correctly out of the 100 multiple-choice questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
- FRQ 1 & 2 Scores
- The FRQ section consists of two questions, each typically worth 7 points. Enter your estimated or actual points for each question.
- Exam Curve Selection
- Select the specific year's curve if you are practicing with a released exam, or use the standard estimated curve for current preparation.
How the AP Psychology Score is Calculated
The AP Psychology exam score is weighted between two sections. Section I (Multiple Choice) accounts for 66.7% of your score, while Section II (Free Response) accounts for 33.3%.
The composite score formula used by this ap psych calculator is:
Composite Score = (MC Raw × 1.0) + (FRQ Total × 3.5714)
- MC Raw: The number of correct answers (0-100).
- FRQ Total: The sum of points from both FRQ 1 and FRQ 2 (0-14).
- Multiplier (3.5714): This factor ensures the FRQ section equals 50 composite points (50 / 14 = 3.5714), making the total composite scale 150 points.
AP Psych Score Calculation Example
Scenario: A student takes a practice test and gets 80 multiple-choice questions correct. On the FRQs, they earn 5 points on the first question and 4 points on the second.
Step-by-step solution:
- Section 1 Score = 80 × 1.0 = 80 points
- Section 2 Raw = 5 + 4 = 9 points
- Section 2 Weighted = 9 × 3.5714 = 32.14 points
- Composite Score = 80 + 32.14 = 112.14 (Rounded to 112)
- Result = An 112 usually results in an AP Score of 4 (just 1 point shy of a 5).
Common Questions
What is a passing score on AP Psychology?
Most colleges consider a score of 3 or higher as "passing" and may offer college credit or advanced placement. However, highly selective universities often require a 4 or 5.
Is the AP Psychology exam curved?
Yes. The College Board does not use a fixed percentage. Instead, they use "equating" to ensure that a score of 4 this year represents the same level of mastery as a 4 last year, even if one version of the test was slightly harder. Our ap psych calculator uses historical data to estimate these thresholds.
How many points is each FRQ worth?
In the current format, there are two FRQs. One is a "Concept Application" question and the other is a "Research Methods" question. Both are typically scored out of 7 points, making for a total of 14 points in Section II.