How Is the AP Psychology Exam Scored?
The AP Psychology exam consists of two sections: Section I contains 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and Section II contains two free-response questions (FRQs). The table below explains the 2025 scoring structure for each section and the percentage of exam score on the AP Psychology exam.
| Section | No. of Questions | Points | Penalization | % of Exam Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I: MCQ | 75 | 1 | No | 66.7% |
| Section II: FRQ | 2 | 7 | No | 33.3% |
For MCQs, never leave a question blank. If you're unsure of the correct answer, make your best guess. There is still a 20% chance of getting the answer right. On the FRQs, your answers must be accurate and thorough to maximize your chance of getting these 7 points. However, you can only earn points if you can determine the prompt, analyze it, and explain your analysis with the help of supporting theories, concepts, and research-based evidence wherever applicable.
The MCQs are scored by computers, and the total number of correct responses equals the score. However, the FRQs are scored by specially appointed college professors and experienced AP teachers at the annual AP Reading. The total scores from the MCQs and FRQs are combined to form a composite score, which is then translated into a 5-point scale using statistical processes to ensure exam consistency.
AP Psychology Scoring Table
The College Board does not publish the metrics for the composite scores and their scaled score equivalents. However, the board publishes an AP score scale table that gives you an idea of how qualified you’re to receive college credit and placement based on your scaled score and the equivalent college course grade. For a structured approach to mastering key concepts, check out our AP Psychology Study Guide.
| AP Exam Score | Recommendation | College Grade Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely well qualified | A+ or A |
| 4 | Very well qualified | A-, B+, or B |
| 3 | Qualified | B-, C+, or C |
| 2 | Possibly qualified | — |
| 1 | No recommendation | — |
After your AP Psychology exam scores are recorded on the AP scale, they are sent to the respective colleges you have selected for admission. If you want to learn how to have the College Board send your AP scores to your preferred colleges, check out our page on AP Exam Scores.
Although each college has its own criteria for granting admission based on AP scores, many colleges follow this standard formula when converting your AP Psychology score to the equivalent college course grade. However, you should always remember that the minimum score required for college credit varies by college. Therefore, if you want to receive college grades and/or Advanced Placement credit for your AP score, aim for a score of at least 3 — or higher if your desired school requires it.
“A recent survey found that students who scored a 2 on the AP Psychology exam earned significantly higher grades when taking the course in college than non-AP students with the same high school GPA!”
AP Psych Score Distribution
AP Psychology has consistently been among the most popular AP exams students take each year. In 2024 alone, 320,164 students took the exam, with over 60% earning a score of 3 or higher. AP Psychology’s popularity stems from the fact that it counts toward many different disciplines and majors. Since psychology is widely used in the sciences, humanities, and finance, its broad application can open up many career options for you, even if you are unsure about your future career goals. There are numerous other benefits to taking the AP Psych exam listed in our AP Psychology Exam Guide. Feel free to check it out!
AP Psychology can be rewarding if you maintain a dedicated study schedule and do your homework regularly. In the last four years, 58.2% students scored 3 or above on the AP Psychology exam. Now, let's crunch some numbers below to get an idea about the AP Psych score distributions:
| AP Score | Percentage of Students (2021) | Percentage of Students (2022) | Percentage of Students (2023) | Percentage of Students (2024) | 4-Year Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 14.1% | 17.0% | 16.9% | 19.2% | 16.8% |
| 4 | 21.2% | 22.2% | 23.2% | 23.1% | 22.4% |
| 3 | 18.0% | 19.1% | 19.5% | 19.5% | 19.0% |
| 2 | 15.2% | 13.1% | 12.4% | 11.8% | 13.1% |
| 1 | 31.5% | 28.5% | 28.5% | 26.5% | 28.8% |
As you can see here, scoring high on the AP Psychology exam has gotten slightly more difficult over the last 4 years, with over 40% of students scoring below 3. The AP Psych exam is challenging, but with the right study tools and dedication, you can get a 5, too. UWorld's AP Psychology practice tests will help you get there!
Scoring Trends for the 2024 AP Psychology Exam
Understanding the scoring trend for the AP Psychology exam can assist you in determining which sections you are more likely to score high in and which ones may require more attention. Let’s analyze the 2024 AP Psychology scoring pattern and learn how the scores were distributed across the multiple-choice and free-response sections.
For the 2024 pen-and-paper exam, the following trends were noted:
| Strongest Proficiency | Most Challenging Units/Concepts | |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs |
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| FRQs |
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AP Psychology Minimum Score Requirement for College Credits
Each institution has its own AP score requirement for credit and/or placement, with some accepting an AP score of 3 or higher for course credit, while others demand a 5. There are colleges that do not offer you any credit but grant you placement for your AP score (which allows you to bypass certain lower-level courses), and others provide both. Hence, knowing the policies of your desired college is essential.
We compiled a list of some of the top institutions around the country and the AP scores they accept for admission. The list also includes the courses you can bypass for a specific AP score and whether you earn credits for your score on the AP Psych exam. Let’s find out which AP Psych scores can get you placement and/or college credits at these schools:
| Institution | Minimum AP Score | AP Recognition | Credit/Placement type | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | 3 | Credit | Subject/ Graduation/ General Education/ Breadth | 3 |
| Harvard University | 5 | Credit | To be decided by the respective dept. | 4 |
| University of California,Los Angeles | 3 | Credit | PSYCH Unassigned | 4 |
| 4 | PSYCH 10 | 4 | ||
| University of Michigan,Ann Arbor | 4/5 | Credit | Psychology 111 | 4 |
| Placement | Any 200-level Psychology course | |||
| University of Illinois,Urbana-Champaign | 3 | Credit | PSYCH 1 | 3 |
| 5 | PSYCH 100 | 4 | ||
| Cornell University | 4 | Credit+Placement | PSYCH 1101 | 3 |
| University of Wisconsin,Madison | 3 | Credit+Placement | Unassigned | 3 |
| 4 | PSYCH 202 | 3 | ||
| University of Pennsylvania | 5 | Placement | Psychology 0001 Waiver | — |
Solid preparation is key to maximizing your chances of getting into your dream college. Enroll in our AP Psychology Online Course for expert guidance and effective study strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good AP Psychology score?
What is the average AP Psychology score?
Why are AP Psychology scores curved?
How do I get a 5 on the AP Psychology exam?
References
- College Board. (2023). AP Psychology course and exam description. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf
- College Board. (2023). AP Psychology: Student responses and scoring commentary. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-ced-student-responses-and-scoring-commentary.pdf
- College Board. (2024). AP Psychology 2024: Free-response questions, student samples, and scoring commentary (Set 1). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-cr-report-psychology-set-1.pdf
- College Board. (2024). AP Psychology 2024: Free-response questions, student samples, and scoring commentary (Set 2). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-cr-report-psychology-set-2.pdf
- College Board. (2024). AP score distributions: AP Psychology. https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions/ap-psychology
- College Board. (2024). AP Psychology exam. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-psychology/exam
- College Board. (2024). AP Psychology 2024: Scoring guidelines (Set 1). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap24-sg-psychology-set-1.pdf
- College Board. (n.d.). AP credit policy search: AP Psychology. https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies/course/28
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