Earn Perfect AP Macro Grades and AP Score

The following Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics article was written by Lawrence Kan, high school class of 2022. Lawrence was trained by the economics faculty at Presidio Education®. With training from Wayne Man, Math & Social Science Teacher, Lawrence earned perfect A grades for both high school AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics classes, as well as perfect AP 5 scores on both May 2021 College Board AP exams. 

What is Most Interesting About AP Macroeconomics?

The most interesting aspect of AP Macroeconomics is really applying the concepts to the real world. One concept that intrigues me the most is how governments use economic policies to influence the economy. For example, students will learn how the combination of monetary policy and fiscal policy influences the nominal interest rate, price level, and even the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the economy. Students will learn how and why the government responds to inflationary or recessionary gaps. They will also learn which type of policy and what type of actions will be most effective to counter an economic downturn or upturn. 

What is Least Interesting About AP Macroeconomics?

The least interesting and most difficult unit of AP Macroeconomics is the Financial Sector unit. Some of the aspects learned in the money market, such as the opportunity cost of money, different types of investments and types of liquid assets, can be applicable to everyday lives. However, some of these concepts are difficult and, thus, students will have to spend a lot of time studying to master them. For example, students must really understand the function of a T-chart and how the reserve ratio works in order to work out a bank's assets and liabilities. Students must also prepare themselves to learn the differences between a money market and the loanable funds market. Students must also understand the spending-investment identity and why it works. 

How Does AP Macro Compare to AP Micro?

AP Macroeconomics has many concepts that need time and practice to understand as there are many obscure concepts. Students must learn about the various economist views. For example, students will need to learn how the monetarists, Keynesians and new classical economists’ views differ from each other. With many obscure concepts and skills to master, studying AP Macroeconomics is more difficult in comparison to AP Microeconomics. However, AP Microeconomics is also challenging in other ways. AP Microeconomics is very technical and challenges students to stay focused and pay attention to detail (read “Earn Perfect AP Micro Grades and AP Score”). 

How Did You earn All A Grades in School?

For AP Macroeconomics, Wayne helped me with staying organized and planning the training ahead. Since my high school only planned to start teaching AP Macroeconomics at the start of spring 2021 semester, I decided to start training with Wayne during fall 2020 semester. I realized the importance of getting a jump on the subject material. A head start on the AP Macroeconomics material also allowed me to complete practice tests with Wayne ahead of my classmates. This helped to reduce the stress. I also took meticulous notes that allowed me to retain information much better. After reviewing my well-written notes, Wayne provided me with resources such as the AP College Board free-response questions (FRQs) to practice and perfect my skills.

What are some AP Macro Exam tips?

Students must constantly review the AP Macroeconomics content and practice their skills. A useful strategy for students struggling with the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is to do a quick sketch of the graph. This is much easier than trying to picture the graph in your head, especially when there are multiple effects that must be considered. For the free-response questions (FRQs), students must write legibly so the AP graders can read your work. Students should not spend time writing large paragraphs, which is not required, for the FRQs. Rather, students should take time to think and plan their answers to ensure clear and concise answers.

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