How AP Microeconomics Scoring Works
The AP Microeconomics exam is scored on a scale of 1-5, with higher scores indicating greater mastery of microeconomic principles. Understanding the scoring process helps you strategize your exam preparation effectively.
Section Weights
Multiple Choice (66.67%)
- 60 questions in 70 minutes
- No penalty for wrong answers
- Each correct answer = 1 raw point
- Weighted to 60 points on composite scale
Free Response (33.33%)
- 3 questions in 60 minutes
- 1 long FRQ (10 points) + 2 short FRQs (5 points each)
- 20 raw points total
- Weighted to 30 points on composite scale
Composite Score Calculation
Your composite score is calculated by weighting and combining your section scores:
MC Weighted = (MC Correct / 60) x 60 pointsFRQ Weighted = (FRQ Raw / 20) x 30 pointsComposite Score = MC Weighted + FRQ Weighted (out of 90)Pro Tip: Since multiple choice is worth twice as much as free response, focus on building strong content knowledge for MC questions while also practicing graph-drawing and economic analysis for FRQs.
AP Microeconomics Exam Format
The AP Microeconomics exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes long and consists of two sections. Understanding the format helps you manage your time effectively during the exam.
Section I: Multiple Choice
- Time: 70 minutes
- Questions: 60 multiple choice questions
- Weight: 66.67% of total score
- Content: All course units, with emphasis on market structures and supply/demand
- Calculator: Not permitted
Section II: Free Response
- Time: 60 minutes (includes 10-minute reading period)
- Questions: 1 long FRQ + 2 short FRQs
- Weight: 33.33% of total score
- Format: Requires graphs, calculations, and written explanations
- Calculator: Not permitted
Course Units and Exam Weight
| Unit | Topic | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Economic Concepts | 12-15% |
| 2 | Supply and Demand | 20-25% |
| 3 | Production, Cost, and Perfect Competition | 22-25% |
| 4 | Imperfect Competition | 15-20% |
| 5 | Factor Markets | 10-13% |
| 6 | Market Failure and Government | 8-13% |
Score Conversion Table
This table shows approximate composite score ranges and their corresponding AP scores. These cutoffs are estimates based on historical data and may vary slightly each year.
| AP Score | Composite Range | Percentage | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 68-90 | 75-100% | Extremely Well Qualified |
| 4 | 56-67 | 62-74% | Well Qualified |
| 3 | 43-55 | 48-61% | Qualified |
| 2 | 32-42 | 35-47% | Possibly Qualified |
| 1 | 0-31 | 0-34% | No Recommendation |
Historical Score Distribution
Based on recent exam data, here is the approximate distribution of AP Microeconomics scores:
- Score of 5: Approximately 18-23% of test-takers
- Score of 4: Approximately 24-28% of test-takers
- Score of 3: Approximately 16-20% of test-takers
- Score of 2: Approximately 13-16% of test-takers
- Score of 1: Approximately 17-22% of test-takers
Study Tips for AP Microeconomics
Maximize your AP Microeconomics score with these proven study strategies.
Master the Graphs
Graphs are essential for both MC and FRQ sections. Focus on these key graphs:
- Supply and demand curves (with shifts)
- Production possibilities frontier (PPF)
- Cost curves (ATC, AVC, AFC, MC)
- Market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly
- Factor markets (labor demand and supply)
- Externalities and deadweight loss
Key Concepts to Review
Market Structures
- Perfect competition profit maximization
- Monopoly pricing and deadweight loss
- Oligopoly game theory basics
- Monopolistic competition long-run equilibrium
Key Formulas
- MR = MC (profit maximization)
- Elasticity calculations
- Consumer and producer surplus
- Marginal product and cost relationships
FRQ Strategy
- Always label your graphs completely (axes, curves, equilibrium points)
- Show your work for calculations
- Answer exactly what is asked - no more, no less
- Use economic terminology correctly
- Practice with past FRQs from College Board
Time Management: For multiple choice, aim for about 1 minute per question. For FRQs, spend roughly 25 minutes on the long question and 15 minutes each on the short questions.
How We Calculate Your Score
Our calculator uses the official College Board scoring methodology to estimate your AP Microeconomics score.
Calculation Steps
Step 1: Calculate MC Weighted Score
Your multiple choice score is converted to the weighted scale:
MC Weighted = (Number Correct / 60) x 60 = Your MC PointsStep 2: Calculate FRQ Weighted Score
Your FRQ raw score is converted to the weighted scale:
FRQ Raw = FRQ1 (0-10) + FRQ2 (0-5) + FRQ3 (0-5)FRQ Weighted = (FRQ Raw / 20) x 30 = Your FRQ PointsStep 3: Calculate Composite Score
Add your weighted scores together:
Composite Score = MC Weighted + FRQ Weighted (out of 90)Step 4: Convert to AP Score
Your composite score is mapped to an AP score (1-5) using historical cutoff data.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on historical scoring patterns. Actual AP score thresholds are determined by the College Board each year and may vary based on exam difficulty and overall student performance.