How AP Economics Scoring Works
Both AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics exams follow the same scoring structure. Understanding how your raw scores translate to your final AP score can help you strategize your test preparation and set realistic goals.
The Scoring Process
The College Board uses a multi-step process to convert your performance into an AP score:
- Raw Score Calculation: Your multiple choice correct answers and FRQ points are tallied separately.
- Section Weighting: The MC section is worth 66% and the FRQ section is worth 33% of your total score.
- Composite Score: Your weighted scores are combined into a composite score (approximately 0-150).
- Score Conversion: The composite score is mapped to an AP score of 1-5 using cut scores determined annually.
Understanding the Weighting
The heavy weighting toward multiple choice (66%) means that strong MC performance is crucial for a high score. However, the FRQ section can make or break your score, especially if you are on the border between two AP scores.
Example: If you get 48/60 on MC and 15/20 on FRQs:
- MC Composite: 48 x 1.65 = 79.2 points
- FRQ Composite: 15 x 2.475 = 37.1 points
- Total Composite: 116.3 points = Score of 5
Important Note: Cut scores vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty and overall student performance. This calculator uses historical averages to provide estimates.
Exam Structure & Breakdown
Both AP Economics exams share the same structure, making it easier to prepare if you are taking both. Here is the complete breakdown of each exam section.
Section 1: Multiple Choice
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 60 questions |
| Time Allowed | 70 minutes |
| Weight | 66% of total score |
| Scoring | No penalty for wrong answers |
| Calculator | Not permitted |
Section 2: Free Response
| Question | Points | Type |
|---|---|---|
| FRQ 1 | 10 points | Long question with multiple parts and graphs |
| FRQ 2 | 5 points | Short question |
| FRQ 3 | 5 points | Short question |
| Total | 20 points | 60 minutes total |
Topic Distribution: AP Macroeconomics
- Basic Economic Concepts: 5-10%
- Economic Indicators and the Business Cycle: 12-17%
- National Income and Price Determination: 17-27%
- Financial Sector: 18-23%
- Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies: 20-30%
- Open Economy - International Trade and Finance: 10-13%
Topic Distribution: AP Microeconomics
- Basic Economic Concepts: 15-20%
- Supply and Demand: 15-20%
- Production, Cost, and the Perfect Competition Model: 22-25%
- Imperfect Competition: 15-22%
- Factor Markets: 10-18%
- Market Failure and the Role of Government: 8-13%
AP Score Thresholds
The following table shows approximate composite score ranges needed for each AP score. These thresholds are based on historical data and may vary slightly each year.
| AP Score | Composite Range | Qualification Level | % of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 112-150 | Extremely Well Qualified | ~20-25% |
| 4 | 90-111 | Well Qualified | ~20-25% |
| 3 | 67-89 | Qualified | ~15-20% |
| 2 | 47-66 | Possibly Qualified | ~15-20% |
| 1 | 0-46 | No Recommendation | ~15-20% |
College Credit Considerations
Different colleges have varying AP credit policies:
- Most Colleges: Award credit for scores of 3 or higher
- Selective Colleges: May require a 4 or 5 for credit
- Ivy League: Often require a 5, some do not accept AP credit at all
- State Universities: Generally accept scores of 3+
Pro Tip: Check each college's specific AP credit policy on their website or in their course catalog. Policies can change yearly and vary by department.
Tips for Success on AP Economics Exams
Multiple Choice Strategies
- Answer every question: There is no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank.
- Eliminate wrong answers: Cross out obviously incorrect options to improve your odds when guessing.
- Watch for qualifiers: Words like "always," "never," "except," and "most likely" are crucial.
- Graph interpretation: Many questions include graphs - practice reading supply/demand, AD/AS, and other key graphs.
- Time management: Spend about 1 minute per question. Mark difficult questions and return to them.
Free Response Strategies
- Label everything: On graphs, label axes, curves, equilibrium points, and shifts.
- Answer all parts: Each part of an FRQ is scored separately, so attempt every section.
- Be specific: Avoid vague answers. Use economic terminology and be precise.
- Show your work: Even if you make a calculation error, you may earn partial credit for correct methodology.
- Practice with rubrics: Review past FRQ rubrics to understand exactly what graders look for.
Key Graphs to Master
Macroeconomics
- - Aggregate Demand/Aggregate Supply
- - Phillips Curve (short-run and long-run)
- - Money Market
- - Loanable Funds Market
- - Foreign Exchange Market
- - Production Possibilities Curve
Microeconomics
- - Supply and Demand
- - Perfectly Competitive Firm/Market
- - Monopoly
- - Monopolistic Competition
- - Oligopoly (Game Theory)
- - Labor Market (MRP = MRC)
Study Tip: Practice drawing each graph from memory. On the actual exam, you may need to quickly draw and label graphs without reference materials. Aim for accuracy and clarity in your labels.