How AP Precalculus Scoring Works
The AP Precalculus exam uses a composite scoring system that combines your performance on multiple choice and free response sections. Understanding how scoring works helps you strategize your preparation and set realistic goals.
The Scoring Process
Your raw scores from both sections are weighted and combined into a composite score, which is then converted to your final AP score of 1-5:
- Multiple Choice: Count correct answers (0-40 points raw)
- Free Response: Sum points from all 4 questions (0-36 points raw)
- Weighting: MC contributes 62.5%, FRQ contributes 37.5%
- Composite Score: Weighted scores are combined (approximately 0-100 scale)
- AP Score: Composite is mapped to 1-5 using cutoff scores
Why Weighting Matters
Since multiple choice counts for nearly two-thirds of your score, performing well on this section is crucial. However, the free response section can make or break your score if you're on the borderline between AP scores.
Pro Tip: Even if you struggle with a few multiple choice questions, strong FRQ performance can compensate. Aim to show your work clearly on FRQs, as partial credit is available for correct reasoning even if your final answer is wrong.
Exam Format & Structure
The AP Precalculus exam is 3 hours long and consists of two main sections. Understanding the format helps you manage your time effectively and know what to expect on exam day.
Section I: Multiple Choice
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Questions: 40 total
- Weight: 62.5% of total score
- Part A: 28 questions (no calculator)
- Part B: 12 questions (graphing calculator required)
Section II: Free Response
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Questions: 4 total
- Weight: 37.5% of total score
- Q1-Q2: Calculator required
- Q3-Q4: No calculator allowed
Content Coverage by Unit
AP Precalculus covers four main units, each with different weights on the exam:
| Unit | Topic | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Polynomial and Rational Functions | 30-40% |
| Unit 2 | Exponential and Logarithmic Functions | 27-40% |
| Unit 3 | Trigonometric and Polar Functions | 15-22% |
| Unit 4 | Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices | 10-15% |
Calculator Policies
A graphing calculator is essential for portions of the AP Precalculus exam:
- Approved calculators: TI-84, TI-Nspire (non-CAS), and similar graphing calculators
- Not allowed: CAS calculators, phones, computers, or smartwatches
- Recommendation: Practice with the same calculator you will use on exam day
Score Cutoffs & Distributions
AP Precalculus is a newer exam (first administered in 2024), so score distributions are still being established. The following cutoffs are estimates based on the first year's data and typical AP scoring patterns.
Estimated Composite Score Cutoffs
| AP Score | Composite Range | Meaning | Est. % of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 68-100 | Extremely well qualified | ~12% |
| 4 | 55-67 | Well qualified | ~18% |
| 3 | 42-54 | Qualified | ~22% |
| 2 | 30-41 | Possibly qualified | ~20% |
| 1 | 0-29 | No recommendation | ~28% |
What These Numbers Mean
- Score of 5: Top-tier performance, strong candidate for college credit at most institutions
- Score of 4: Above-average performance, likely to receive credit at many colleges
- Score of 3: Demonstrates competency, meets minimum for credit at some colleges
- Score of 2: Below passing, may indicate areas needing more study
- Score of 1: Limited understanding of course material
Important Note: Score cutoffs can vary slightly from year to year based on exam difficulty and overall student performance. These estimates are based on the inaugural 2024 exam and may be adjusted as more data becomes available.
Tips to Improve Your AP Precalculus Score
Whether you're aiming for a 3 or pushing for a 5, these strategies can help maximize your AP Precalculus exam performance.
1. Master the Non-Calculator Section First
Part A of the multiple choice (28 questions) doesn't allow calculators. Practice solving problems by hand, including factoring, simplifying, and graphing functions mentally. This builds deeper understanding and saves time.
2. Know Your Calculator Functions
For calculator sections, know how to quickly find zeros, intersections, maximum/minimum values, and create tables. Practice using regression features for data modeling questions.
3. Practice FRQs Under Timed Conditions
Each FRQ should take about 15 minutes. Practice past FRQs (from similar AP math exams) with strict timing. Learn to show your work clearly and justify your answers.
4. Focus on High-Weight Topics
Units 1 and 2 (Polynomial/Rational and Exponential/Logarithmic functions) account for 57-80% of the exam. Prioritize mastering these topics before moving to trigonometry and vectors.
5. Understand Function Behavior
Many questions ask about end behavior, asymptotes, domain/range, and transformations. Create summary sheets for each function type and practice identifying these features quickly.
6. Never Leave Questions Blank
There's no guessing penalty on multiple choice. Eliminate obviously wrong answers and make educated guesses. On FRQs, write something for every part - partial credit adds up.