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 2 free-response questions (FRQs). The table below explains the 2026 scoring structure for each section 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 2025 alone, 334,038 students took the exam, with over 70% 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, 62.53% 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 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 14.4% | 19.2% | 16.9% |
| 4 | 30.9% | 23.1% | 23.2% |
| 3 | 25.2% | 19.5% | 19.5% |
| 2 | 19.7% | 11.8% | 12.4% |
| 1 | 9.8% | 26.5% | 28.0% |
| 3+ | 70.5% | 61.7% | 59.6% |
As you can see here, scoring high on the AP Psychology exam has gotten slightly more difficult over the last 3 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 2025 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 2025 AP Psychology scoring pattern and learn how the scores were distributed across the multiple-choice and free-response sections.
| Strongest Proficiency | Most Challenging Units/Concepts | |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs |
|
|
| FRQs |
|
|
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 have 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 |
|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | 3 |
| Harvard University | 5 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 3 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 4 |
| University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | 3 |
| Cornell University | 4 |
| University of Wisconsin, Madison | 3 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5 |
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?
The average AP Psychology score in 2025 was 3.20.
Why are AP Psychology scores curved?
How do I get a 5 on the AP Psychology exam?
References
- AP Psychology Exam. (n.d.). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-psychology/exam
- Past AP Psychology Score Distributions. (n.d.). apstudents.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions/ap-psychology
- 2025 Chief Reader Report. (2025). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap25-cr-report-psychology-set-1.pdf
- AP Credit Policy Search. (n.d.). apstudents.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies/course/28
Read More About AP Psychology
AP Psychology Exam FormatDo you want to know what the AP Psychology exam format looks like? Visit this page to learn about the exam format, question types, section weighting, and more!
AP Psychology Course and Exam DescriptionReviewing the entire College Board CED-pdf can be time-consuming. We've got you covered — we edited the lengthy 189 pages into an easy-to-navigate document for the AP Psychology Course.
How to Study for AP PsychologyDon't waste any more time looking for the perfect guide. Here's the expert-written guide on how to study for AP Psychology with proven strategies and materials to help you score a 5 with ease.
Best AP Psychology Prep Course ReviewDiscover the best AP Psychology prep courses! This in-depth review helps you compare options and pick the course that meets your needs.
Best AP Psychology Study Guide ComparisonDiscover expert insights into Kaplan, Barron's, Princeton Review, and UWorld. Learn how each resource compares to help you choose the best fit.
How to Self-Study for AP PsychologySelf-studying for AP Psychology? Use this proven step-by-step guide to master concepts, stay organized, and achieve top exam scores.
