How APUSH Scoring Works
The AP US History exam uses a weighted composite scoring system that combines your performance across four different question types. Understanding how each section contributes to your final score can help you strategize your preparation and exam-taking approach.
Section Weights
Composite Score Calculation
Your raw scores from each section are weighted and combined into a composite score (approximately 0-150 points). This composite score is then converted to your final AP score of 1-5 using cut-off thresholds that may vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty.
Note: The College Board adjusts score thresholds annually through a process called equating, which ensures that a score of 3, 4, or 5 represents the same level of achievement from year to year, regardless of exam difficulty.
APUSH Exam Format Breakdown
Section I: Multiple Choice and Short Answer
Part A: Multiple Choice (55 questions, 55 minutes)
- Questions are organized in sets of 3-4 based on primary or secondary sources
- Sources include texts, images, graphs, maps, and political cartoons
- Questions test historical thinking skills and content knowledge
- No penalty for guessing - answer every question
Part B: Short Answer Questions (3 questions, 40 minutes)
- SAQ 1 and 2 are required (cover periods 3-8, 1754-1980)
- SAQ 3 or 4 is your choice (cover periods 1-5 or 6-9)
- Each SAQ has three parts (a, b, c) worth 1 point each
- Responses should be 3-4 sentences per part
Section II: Free Response
Document-Based Question (1 DBQ, 60 minutes including reading)
The DBQ requires you to analyze 7 documents and construct an argument. Scoring rubric (7 points):
- Thesis (1 point): Historically defensible claim that establishes a line of reasoning
- Contextualization (1 point): Describe broader historical context relevant to the prompt
- Evidence (3 points): Use 3+ documents with explanation (2 pts) + outside evidence (1 pt)
- Analysis (1 point): Explain how documents support your argument
- Complexity (1 point): Demonstrate complex understanding of the topic
Long Essay Question (1 LEQ, 40 minutes)
Choose 1 of 3 prompts covering different time periods. Scoring rubric (6 points):
- Thesis (1 point): Historically defensible thesis that responds to the prompt
- Contextualization (1 point): Describe broader historical context
- Evidence (2 points): Provide specific examples that support your thesis
- Analysis (1 point): Use historical reasoning to support your argument
- Complexity (1 point): Demonstrate complex understanding
AP Score Thresholds
The following table shows approximate composite score ranges needed for each AP score. These thresholds are estimates based on historical data and may vary slightly each year.
| AP Score | Classification | Composite Range | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | 113-150 | 75-100% |
| 4 | Well Qualified | 98-112 | 65-74% |
| 3 | Qualified | 74-97 | 49-64% |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | 44-73 | 29-48% |
| 1 | No Recommendation | 0-43 | 0-28% |
Historical Context: In recent years, approximately 10-12% of test takers score a 5, 18-20% score a 4, 23-25% score a 3, 20-22% score a 2, and 23-27% score a 1 on the APUSH exam. The average score typically hovers around 2.8.
Tips to Improve Your APUSH Score
Multiple Choice Strategies
- Read the source carefully before looking at questions
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- Look for historical context clues in the source
- Practice with released exam questions
- Never leave a question blank - there is no guessing penalty
SAQ Success Tips
- Answer all three parts (a, b, c) separately
- Keep responses focused and concise (3-4 sentences)
- Use specific historical evidence for each part
- Manage time - approximately 13 minutes per SAQ
- Choose your optional SAQ wisely based on your strengths
DBQ Best Practices
- Spend 15 minutes reading and planning before writing
- Use at least 6 of the 7 documents in your essay
- Include at least one piece of outside evidence
- Write a clear thesis that addresses the prompt directly
- Aim for the complexity point by acknowledging counterarguments
LEQ Writing Tips
- Choose the prompt you know the most about
- Create a brief outline before writing
- Provide specific examples with dates and names
- Use historical reasoning (causation, comparison, continuity/change)
- Write a strong conclusion that reinforces your thesis