How AP European History Scoring Works
The AP European History exam is designed to assess your knowledge of European history from 1450 to the present. The exam consists of two main sections, each with multiple parts that contribute differently to your final score.
Exam Structure Overview
The AP Euro exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, divided into two sections:
| Section | Component | Questions | Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I, Part A | Multiple Choice | 55 questions | 55 minutes | 40% |
| Section I, Part B | Short Answer (SAQ) | 3 questions | 40 minutes | 20% |
| Section II, Part A | Document-Based Question | 1 question | 60 minutes | 25% |
| Section II, Part B | Long Essay Question | 1 question (choose from 3) | 40 minutes | 15% |
Composite Score Calculation
Your raw scores from each section are converted to a composite score on a 150-point scale:
- Multiple Choice: (Correct answers / 55) x 60 = MC weighted score (max 60 points)
- SAQs: (Total SAQ points / 9) x 30 = SAQ weighted score (max 30 points)
- DBQ: (DBQ points / 7) x 37.5 = DBQ weighted score (max 37.5 points)
- LEQ: (LEQ points / 6) x 22.5 = LEQ weighted score (max 22.5 points)
Important: There is no penalty for guessing on the multiple choice section. You should answer every question, even if you are unsure.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Multiple Choice Section
The 55 multiple choice questions test your ability to analyze historical texts, images, maps, and other primary sources. Questions are grouped into sets of 3-4 questions based on a stimulus.
- Questions cover all four historical periods (1450-1648, 1648-1815, 1815-1914, 1914-present)
- Expect questions on political, economic, social, and cultural themes
- Approximately 55-60% of questions involve stimulus analysis
- Each correct answer is worth approximately 1.09 composite points
Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
You will answer 3 short answer questions, each worth up to 3 points. SAQs require you to respond to historical developments, documents, or historians' arguments.
SAQ Scoring Rubric (per question):
- 3 points: Addresses all parts of the question with specific historical evidence
- 2 points: Partially addresses the question or lacks specific evidence
- 1 point: Minimal attempt that is historically accurate
- 0 points: Does not address the question or is historically inaccurate
Document-Based Question (DBQ)
The DBQ requires you to analyze 7 primary source documents and construct an argumentative essay. This section is worth 25% of your total score.
DBQ Rubric (7 points total):
- Thesis (0-1): Historically defensible claim that responds to the prompt
- Contextualization (0-1): Situates argument within broader historical context
- Evidence (0-3): Uses documents and outside evidence to support argument
- Analysis and Reasoning (0-2): Demonstrates complex understanding
Long Essay Question (LEQ)
You choose one of three prompts covering different time periods and write an argumentative essay without provided documents.
LEQ Rubric (6 points total):
- Thesis (0-1): Historically defensible claim that responds to the prompt
- Contextualization (0-1): Situates argument within broader historical context
- Evidence (0-2): Uses specific historical evidence to support argument
- Analysis and Reasoning (0-2): Demonstrates complex historical thinking
Historical Score Cutoffs
The College Board uses a statistical process called equating to ensure scores are consistent from year to year. While exact cutoffs vary, here are the approximate thresholds based on historical data:
| AP Score | Qualification | Composite Range | Approximate % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | 110-150 | 73%+ |
| 4 | Well Qualified | 87-109 | 58-72% |
| 3 | Qualified | 65-86 | 43-57% |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | 45-64 | 30-42% |
| 1 | No Recommendation | 0-44 | 0-29% |
Score Distribution Statistics
Based on recent exam administrations, here is the typical distribution of AP European History scores:
- Score of 5: Approximately 13-14% of test-takers
- Score of 4: Approximately 18-20% of test-takers
- Score of 3: Approximately 22-24% of test-takers
- Score of 2: Approximately 20-22% of test-takers
- Score of 1: Approximately 22-24% of test-takers
College Credit: Most colleges grant credit or placement for scores of 3 or higher. Selective schools often require a 4 or 5. Always check your target schools' specific AP credit policies.
Tips for Maximizing Your AP Euro Score
1. Master the Multiple Choice Strategy
Since MC is worth 40%, focus on reading stimulus materials carefully. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first, and remember there is no penalty for guessing. Aim for 40+ correct to put yourself in position for a 4 or 5.
2. Practice SAQ Time Management
You have approximately 13 minutes per SAQ. Answer all parts of each question with specific historical evidence. Even partial answers earn points - never leave a question blank.
3. Nail Your DBQ Thesis
The thesis point is crucial for the DBQ. Make a clear, historically defensible argument that directly responds to the prompt. Use at least 4-5 documents and include outside evidence for maximum points.
4. Choose Your LEQ Wisely
Pick the LEQ prompt you can best support with specific historical evidence. Focus on clear thesis, contextualization, and demonstrating change over time or causation in your analysis.
5. Know Your Historical Periods
Ensure you can identify key developments across all four periods: Renaissance to Reformation (1450-1648), Absolutism to Revolutions (1648-1815), Industrialization to WWI (1815-1914), and 20th Century to Present (1914-present).
6. Practice Document Analysis
For the DBQ, practice analyzing documents for point of view, purpose, historical context, and audience (HAPP). This skill is essential for earning the evidence and analysis points.