United States Test Preparation

Advanced Placement (AP) Tests

 
 

College Board develops very rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) tests. APs are generally broken down into Section 1 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Section 2 free-response questions (FRQs). Students must be fully committed if they want to earn perfect AP exam scores. Perfect AP scores carry a tremendous amount of weight when applying to undergraduate schools. Please contact our Customer Service Team for questions or to schedule free AP Diagnostic Tests (DTs).


Format

AP tests normally have two sections:

  • Section I—Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

  • Section II—Free-response question (FRQs)

  • Each AP test has a distinct number of Section I MCQs

  • Each AP test has a distinct amount of time for Section I MCQs

  • Section I MCQs are normally completed in pencil

  • Each AP test has a distinct number of Section II FRQs

  • Each AP test has a distinct amount of time for Section II FRQs

  • Section II FRQs are normally completed in pen

  • AP Score Range:

    • 5 = Extremely Well-Qualified

    • 4 = Well-Qualified

    • 3 = Qualified

    • 2 = Possibly Qualified

    • 1 = No Recommendation

Exam Schedule

Tips For Students

AP test information:


 

Our Most Requested AP Tests

 
 

AP Exam Score Distributions

Students request us to train the below AP tests the most. Please click the following links for detailed AP exam information, score distributions and official College Board free-response question (FRQ) samples:


AP Capstone

AP Research

 
  • Global student AP mean score from 2016 to 2020 is approximately 3.15

  • AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research

  • There is no end-of-course exam

  • Students design, plan and conduct an investigation to address a research question

  • Assessment in the form one (1) academic paper and one (1) presentation

  • The 4,000-5,000-word academic paper is worth 75% of the total score

  • The combined presentation and oral defense are worth 25% of the total score

  • The oral defense should be 15-20 minutes long, which includes 3-4 questions from a panel of three (3) evaluators

AP Research Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 13.3% 26.4% 44.7% 12.5% 3.1% 3.34 28,402
2022 12.6% 25.8% 44.3% 13.3% 4.0% 3.30 26,947
2021 13.7% 25.4% 42.4% 14.2% 4.3% 3.30 24,021
2020 8.8% 32.1% 31.5% 25.0% 2.5% 3.20 20,055
2019 10.7% 22.2% 43.0% 19.5% 4.6% 3.15 15,724
2018 11.4% 23.7% 40.1% 19.8% 4.9% 3.17 9,640
2017 16.8% 18.1% 35.4% 27.3% 2.5% 3.19 5,787
2016 11.6% 16.3% 39.3% 30.8% 2.0% 3.05 2,842
Source: College Board 2016-2023

AP Capstone

AP Seminar

 
  • Global student AP mean score from 2015 to 2020 is approximately 3.05

  • Assessment in the form of a team project and presentation, an individual research-based essay and presentation, and an end-of-course exam

  • Students work in teams of 3-5 to identify, analyze, investigate and evaluate an academic or real-world problem

  • The team will be assessed based on a 1,200-word essay and an 8-10-minute multimedia presentation and defense, which are worth 20% of the total score

  • Individuals will be assessed based on a 2,000-word written argument, a 6-8-minute multimedia presentation, and a two (2)-question oral defense, which are worth 35% of the total score

  • The end-of-course exam is a 120-minute four (4)-free-response question (FRQ) exam, which is worth 45% of the total score

AP Seminar Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 11.4% 19.7% 53.9% 11.2% 3.8% 3.24 73,334
2022 11.6% 19.2% 51.8% 11.8% 5.6% 3.19 56,766
2021 11.1% 19.5% 54.5% 10.7% 4.3% 3.22 53,076
2020 6.4% 14.5% 59.8% 17.0% 2.2% 3.06 52,562
2019 7.1% 15.1% 58.9% 16.6% 2.3% 3.08 43,441
2018 8.4% 17.2% 57.2% 14.9% 2.3% 3.15 30,964
2017 6.7% 15.1% 65.0% 11.6% 1.6% 3.14 19,943
2016 6.6% 12.6% 53.8% 21.8% 5.2% 2.94 12,308
2015 4.9% 11.7% 58.3% 21.6% 3.5% 2.93 5,288
Source: College Board 2015-2023

English

AP English Language and Composition

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Lang” or “APENG”

  • Most widely administered AP test after 2010

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.87

  • Section I is a 60-minute 45-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I MCQ test is worth 45% of the total score

  • Section II is a 135-minute three (3)-free-response question (FRQ) test (includes 15-minute reading period before writing)

  • Section II contains three (3) essays

  • Section II FRQ test is worth 55% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of literal and figurative language

  • Must possess mastery of inference skills to connect ideas

  • Must possess mastery of grammar, punctuation, syntax and citation

  • Must possess mastery of reading, writing and critical thinking skills

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP English Language and Composition Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 10.3% 19.7% 26.1% 29.5% 14.4% 2.82 562,328
2022 10.4% 21.1% 24.2% 29.8% 14.5% 2.83 520,771
2021 9.1% 22.9% 25.8% 29.3% 12.9% 2.86 518,548
2020 12.6% 20.4% 29.1% 26.2% 11.8% 2.96 332,272
2019 9.9% 18.2% 26.2% 31.2% 14.5% 2.78 573,171
2018 10.6% 17.7% 28.8% 29.3% 13.5% 2.83 580,043
2017 9.1% 18.3% 27.7% 30.7% 14.2% 2.77 579,426
2016 10.7% 17.6% 27.1% 32.1% 12.6% 2.82 547,545
2015 9.9% 18.3% 27.3% 29.7% 14.8% 2.79 527,274
2014 9.6% 17.9% 28.4% 30.1% 14.1% 2.79 505,244
2013 10.2% 16.2% 28.6% 29.8% 15.2% 2.77 476,277
2012 11.0% 20.2% 28.9% 27.9% 11.9% 2.90 443,835
2011 11.1% 20.0% 30.1% 27.5% 11.3% 2.92 412,466
2010 10.7% 20.8% 29.3% 27.6% 11.6% 2.91 374,620
2009 10.5% 19.0% 30.2% 28.4% 11.9% 2.88 337,441
2008 8.7% 18.2% 31.4% 30.5% 11.3% 2.82 306,479
Source: College Board 2008-2023

English

AP English Literature and Composition

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Lit”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.76

  • Section I is a 60-minute 55-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I MCQ test is worth 45% of the total score

  • Section II is a 120-minute three (3)-free-response question (FRQ) test

  • Section II FRQ test is worth 55% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of fiction, poetry and drama

  • Must possess mastery of literal and figurative language

  • Must possess mastery of inference skills to connect ideas

  • Must possess mastery of reading, writing and critical thinking skills

  • Must possess high levels of narrative, expository, analytical and argumentative writing skills

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP English Literature and Composition Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 14.9% 27.9% 34.5% 14.4% 8.4% 3.26 359,043
2022 16.9% 27.3% 33.7% 14.1% 7.9% 3.31 339,401
2021 4.9% 12.0% 26.9% 37.3% 18.8% 2.47 321,029
2020 9.3% 17.3% 33.5% 27.8% 12.2% 2.84 200,575
2019 6.2% 15.7% 27.8% 34.3% 16.0% 2.62 380,136
2018 5.6% 14.5% 27.2% 36.0% 16.7% 2.57 404,014
2017 6.8% 16.1% 29.7% 33.9% 13.5% 2.69 404,137
2016 7.4% 17.8% 29.4% 33.4% 12.0% 2.75 405,446
2015 7.6% 18.2% 30.5% 32.7% 11.1% 2.78 401,076
2014 7.7% 17.8% 29.6% 33.0% 11.9% 2.76 397,477
2013 7.6% 18.8% 31.5% 31.7% 10.5% 2.81 385,576
2012 8.3% 18.0% 30.4% 32.3% 11.1% 2.80 380,608
2011 8.4% 17.8% 31.0% 32.1% 10.7% 2.81 367,962
2010 8.1% 19.1% 30.2% 32.6% 10.0% 2.83 353,781
2009 7.4% 20.5% 30.8% 31.3% 10.1% 2.84 332,352
2008 6.5% 19.9% 33.9% 30.6% 9.1% 2.84 320,358
Source: College Board 2008-2023

History

AP European History

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Euro” or “APEH”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.81

  • Section IA is a 55-minute 55-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section IA is worth 40% of the total score

  • Section IB is a 40-minute three (3)-short-answer question test

  • Section IB is worth 20% of the total score

  • Section IIA is a 60-minute one (1)-document-based question (DBQ) test

  • Section IIA is worth 25% of the total score

  • Section IIB is a 40-minute one (1)-long essay test

  • Section IIB is worth 15% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of significant events, individuals and developments in European History from 1450 BCE to the present

  • Must possess mastery of interaction of Europe and the world, European and national identity, and European economic and cultural development

  • Must possess mastery of historical thinking skills to analyze primary and secondary sources, make connections and develop arguments

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP European History Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 12.9% 21.3% 25.2% 29.0% 11.6% 2.95 81,788
2022 13.5% 21.0% 24.4% 29.7% 11.4% 2.95 80,152
2021 10.6% 19.4% 24.7% 32.5% 12.9% 2.82 84,237
2020 13.7% 20.1% 25.5% 29.2% 11.5% 2.95 94,312
2019 11.7% 20.5% 25.9% 29.4% 12.5% 2.90 100,655
2018 11.9% 19.9% 25.9% 30.0% 12.1% 2.89 101,740
2017 9.3% 18.6% 28.0% 31.9% 12.1% 2.81 105,347
2016 7.4% 16.0% 29.2% 35.1% 12.3% 2.71 109,031
2015 10.3% 17.3% 35.6% 10.7% 26.2% 2.75 107,267
2014 8.6% 16.9% 34.0% 11.8% 28.7% 2.65 110,297
2013 10.4% 18.8% 34.8% 11.0% 25.0% 2.78 109,878
2012 10.5% 19.2% 36.0% 10.8% 23.5% 2.83 108,854
2011 10.6% 18.7% 35.5% 11.6% 23.6% 2.81 107,392
2010 12.7% 18.4% 34.5% 11.2% 23.2% 2.86 102,629
2009 13.9% 19.2% 33.9% 11.3% 21.7% 2.92 101,359
2008 9.2% 17.2% 34.9% 12.1% 26.6% 2.70 100,648
Source: College Board 2008-2023

History

AP United States History

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP US History” or “APUSH”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.71

  • Section IA is a 55-minute 55-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section IA is worth 40% of the total score

  • Section IB is a 40-minute three (3)-short-answer question test

  • Section IB is worth 20% of the total score

  • Section IIA is a 60-minute one (1)-document-based question (DBQ) test

  • Section IIA is worth 25% of the total score

  • Section IIB is a 40-minute one (1)-long essay test

  • Section IIB is worth 15% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of significant events, individuals and developments in United States History in nine (9) historical periods from approximately 1491 BCE to the present

  • Must possess mastery of American and national identity, America in the world, and American and regional culture

  • Must possess mastery of historical thinking skills to analyze primary and secondary sources, make connections and develop arguments

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP United States History Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 10.6% 14.8% 22.1% 22.7% 29.8% 2.54 467,975
2022 10.8% 15.6% 21.9% 23.0% 28.8% 2.57 456,520
2021 10.1% 15.9% 21.2% 21.6% 31.2% 2.52 454,204
2020 13.0% 19.2% 26.6% 20.4% 21.0% 2.83 474,697
2019 11.8% 18.4% 23.4% 22.0% 24.3% 2.71 496,573
2018 10.7% 18.4% 22.7% 22.7% 25.5% 2.66 501,530
2017 10.8% 17.7% 22.3% 23.5% 25.6% 2.65 505,302
2016 11.9% 17.9% 22.5% 23.3% 24.3% 2.70 489,291
2015 9.4% 18.0% 23.7% 24.8% 24.0% 2.64 469,689
2014 11.0% 21.3% 20.1% 28.0% 19.6% 2.76 462,766
2013 10.6% 21.5% 21.6% 27.0% 19.2% 2.77 442,890
2012 11.7% 21.3% 21.6% 26.6% 18.8% 2.80 427,796
2011 11.1% 20.8% 21.0% 26.7% 20.5% 2.75 406,086
2010 11.0% 18.8% 22.8% 25.8% 21.6% 2.72 387,416
2009 11.0% 19.3% 22.1% 25.2% 22.2% 2.72 360,173
2008 8.5% 18.2% 21.4% 25.4% 26.5% 2.57 346,641
Source: College Board 2008-2023

History

AP World History

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP World” or “APWH”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.66

  • Section IA is a 55-minute 55-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section IA is worth 40% of the total score

  • Section IB is a 40-minute three (3)-short-answer question test

  • Section IB is worth 20% of the total score

  • Section IIA is a 60-minute one (1)-document-based question (DBQ) test

  • Section IIA is worth 25% of the total score

  • Section IIB is a 40-minute one (1)-long essay test

  • Section IIB is worth 15% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of significant events, individuals and developments from 1200 BCE to the present

  • Must possess mastery of historical thinking skills to analyze primary and secondary sources, make connections and develop arguments

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP World History Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 15.3% 21.9% 27.4% 22.3% 13.0% 3.04 350,353
2022 13.2% 21.9% 27.0% 23.7% 14.3% 2.96 314,716
2021 9.7% 18.5% 24.0% 28.9% 19.0% 2.71 302,232
2020 9.2% 22.8% 28.2% 26.1% 13.7% 2.88 302,942
2019 8.6% 18.8% 28.0% 28.8% 15.8% 2.75 313,317
2018 8.9% 19.9% 27.4% 28.5% 15.4% 2.78 303,243
2017 8.5% 19.9% 26.7% 29.6% 15.4% 2.76 298,475
2016 6.6% 15.6% 29.4% 28.7% 19.7% 2.61 285,351
2015 6.6% 14.2% 31.4% 29.9% 18.0% 2.61 265,308
2014 6.6% 16.0% 31.9% 27.8% 17.7% 2.66 255,699
2013 5.9% 13.7% 29.4% 30.2% 20.9% 2.53 230,107
2012 6.9% 15.7% 30.5% 29.4% 17.4% 2.65 210,805
2011 9.5% 16.0% 23.0% 25.5% 26.0% 2.57 188,417
2010 9.8% 15.5% 23.8% 24.2% 26.7% 2.57 167,789
2009 11.1% 16.0% 23.4% 24.6% 24.9% 2.64 143,426
2008 8.9% 16.1% 23.4% 25.7% 25.8% 2.56 124,638
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Humanities

AP Human Geography

 
  • Commonly referred to as “APHG” or “APHUG”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.63

  • Section I is a 60-minute 60-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I MCQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Section II is a 75-minute three (3)-free-response question (FRQ) test

  • Section II FRQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of economic, cultural, political and urban geography

  • Must possess mastery of application of geographic concepts, such as scale, diffusion and spatial interaction, to real-life scenarios

  • Must possess mastery of maps and geospatial technologies

  • Must possess strong critical thinking skills about texts, graphs and infographics

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP Human Geography Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 16.0% 20.0% 18.4% 14.0% 31.6% 2.75 247,043
2022 14.9% 18.7% 19.6% 15.0% 31.8% 2.70 221,815
2021 14.4% 19.7% 18.3% 15.1% 32.4% 2.69 211,735
2020 11.8% 22.4% 24.8% 10.9% 30.1% 2.75 128,741
2019 10.8% 18.2% 20.1% 16.7% 34.1% 2.55 225,235
2018 13.0% 19.8% 21.5% 17.0% 28.6% 2.72 216,783
2017 10.7% 17.3% 21.0% 17.1% 33.9% 2.54 199,756
2016 11.9% 20.1% 19.8% 19.1% 29.0% 2.67 184,663
2015 12.2% 20.5% 21.1% 16.7% 19.5% 2.69 159,609
2014 11.0% 20.0% 21.0% 18.4% 29.6% 2.64 136,448
2013 12.0% 20.3% 20.7% 18.6% 28.3% 2.69 114,361
2012 12.5% 19.5% 20.4% 17.8% 29.8% 2.67 98,679
2011 11.7% 18.2% 21.2% 17.5% 31.5% 2.61 83,841
2010 9.7% 16.5% 20.6% 17.4% 35.7% 2.47 68,397
2009 11.6% 16.7% 21.9% 16.6% 33.2% 2.57 50,730
2008 12.1% 17.9% 21.5% 18.3% 30.2% 2.63 39,878
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Language

AP Chinese Language and Culture

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Chinese”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 4.43

  • Section IA is a 20-minute 25-35-multiple-choice question (MCQ) listening test

  • Section IA MCQ test is worth 25% of the total score

  • Section IB is a 60-minute 30-40-MCQ reading test

  • Section IB MCQ test is worth 25% of the total score

  • Section IIA is a 30-minute two (2)-task-free-response question (FRQ) written test

  • Section IIA FRQ test is worth 25% of the total score

  • Section IIB is a 10-minute two (2)-task-FRQ spoken test

  • Section IIB FRQ test is worth 25% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of Mandarin Chinese communication by applying skills in real-life situations

  • Must possess mastery of Mandarin Chinese vocabulary usage and communication strategies

  • Must possess mastery of Chinese culture in both contemporary and historical contexts

  • Must possess awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices and perspectives

AP Chinese Language and Culture Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 54.2% 18.8% 15.4% 5.0% 6.6% 4.09 16,495
2022 49.3% 19.6% 18.0% 5.3% 7.8% 3.97 15,277
2021 57.2% 15.5% 15.5% 4.6% 7.1% 4.11 13,122
2020 55.4% 15.5% 17.9% 5.1% 6.1% 4.09 14,663
2019 60.1% 14.9% 14.8% 4.0% 6.2% 4.19 13,853
2018 66.1% 12.2% 13.0% 3.7% 5.0% 4.31 13,825
2017 68.8% 11.7% 12.1% 3.1% 4.3% 4.38 13,091
2016 62.8% 16.4% 14.4% 2.7% 3.7% 4.32 12,524
2015 65.3% 16.0% 11.8% 3.1% 3.9% 4.36 11,633
2014 68.5% 14.4% 11.6% 2.8% 2.7% 4.43 10,728
2013 69.7% 14.6% 10.7% 2.3% 2.8% 4.46 10,121
2012 71.1% 13.2% 10.9% 2.3% 2.5% 4.48 9,357
2011 72.3% 13.9% 9.2% 2.1% 2.5% 4.51 7,970
2010 76.7% 13.2% 6.6% 1.5% 2.0% 4.61 6,388
2009 81.5% 9.8% 6.0% 1.0% 1.7% 4.69 5,100
2008 85.5% 8.1% 4.7% 0.8% 1.0% 4.76 4,311
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Mathematics

AP Calculus AB

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Calc AB”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.94

  • Section I is a two (2)-part 105-minute 45-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I MCQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Section II is a two (2)-part 90-minute six (6)-free-response question (FRQ) test

  • Section II FRQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of the prerequisite four (4) years of high school mathematics

  • Must possess mastery of derivatives to describe rates of change

  • Must possess mastery of applying limits to theorems to model real-world behavior

  • Must possess mastery of analyzing functions and applying the theorems in calculus

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP Calculus AB Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 22.4% 16.2% 19.4% 21.7% 20.3% 2.99 273,987
2022 20.4% 16.1% 19.1% 22.6% 21.7% 2.91 268,352
2021 17.6% 14.1% 19.3% 25.3% 23.7% 2.77 251,639
2020 19.5% 20.9% 21.0% 24.1% 14.5% 3.07 255,430
2019 19.1% 18.7% 20.6% 23.3% 18.3% 2.97 300,659
2018 19.4% 17.3% 21.0% 22.4% 20.0% 2.94 308,538
2017 18.7% 18.0% 20.8% 22.0% 20.4% 2.93 316,099
2016 24.8% 17.3% 17.4% 9.7% 30.7% 2.96 308,215
2015 21.8% 17.0% 18.6% 10.3% 32.3% 2.86 302,532
2014 24.6% 16.6% 17.7% 10.7% 30.5% 2.94 294,072
2013 23.9% 18.1% 17.3% 11.2% 29.4% 2.96 282,814
2012 25.2% 17.1% 17.4% 10.2% 30.1% 2.97 266,994
2011 21.4% 16.4% 18.5% 10.7% 33.1% 2.82 255,357
2010 21.2% 16.4% 18.0% 11.2% 33.1% 2.81 245,867
2009 23.0% 18.7% 17.9% 15.5% 24.9% 2.99 230,588
2008 22.1% 21.2% 17.9% 15.2% 23.7% 3.03 222,835
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Mathematics

AP Calculus BC

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Calc BC”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 3.80

  • Section I is a two (2)-part 105-minute 45-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I MCQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Section II is a two (2)-part 90-minute six (6)-free response question (FRQ) test

  • Section II FRQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of the prerequisite four (4) years of high school mathematics

  • Must possess mastery of all the AP Calculus AB skills

  • Must possess mastery of further calculus applications, such as infinite series

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP Calculus BC Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 43.5% 15.9% 19.0% 15.2% 6.3% 3.75 135,458
2022 41.2% 15.6% 20.1% 16.4% 6.8% 3.68 120,238
2021 38.3% 16.5% 20.4% 18.2% 6.6% 3.62 124,599
2020 44.6% 17.6% 19.4% 14.1% 4.3% 3.84 127,864
2019 43.0% 18.5% 19.5% 13.9% 5.2% 4.04 139,185
2018 40.4% 18.6% 20.7% 14.6% 5.6% 3.74 139,376
2017 42.6% 18.1% 19.9% 14.1% 5.3% 3.78 132,514
2016 48.5% 15.4% 17.2% 5.8% 13.2% 3.80 124,931
2015 45.4% 16.4% 18.0% 5.5% 14.8% 3.72 118,707
2014 48.4% 16.5% 16.2% 5.3% 13.6% 3.81 112,463
2013 45.8% 16.1% 17.9% 5.7% 14.4% 3.73 104,483
2012 50.4% 16.1% 15.8% 5.4% 12.3% 3.87 94,403
2011 47.6% 15.9% 16.7% 5.9% 13.9% 3.77 85,194
2010 49.4% 15.4% 18.0% 5.8% 11.4% 3.86 78,998
2009 43.2% 17.6% 19.2% 7.4% 12.5% 3.72 72,965
2008 43.5% 17.4% 19.4% 6.7% 13.0% 3.72 69,103
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Mathematics

AP Statistics

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Stats”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.84

  • Section I is a 90-minute 40-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I is worth 50% of the total score

  • Section II is a 90-minute six (6)-free-response question (FRQ) test

  • Section II is worth 50% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery with collecting and analyzing data

  • Must possess mastery of probability and probability distributions

  • Must possess mastery with inferences of various data types

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP Statistics Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 15.1% 22.2% 22.7% 16.2% 23.8% 2.89 242,929
2022 14.8% 22.2% 23.4% 16.5% 23.1% 2.89 216,968
2021 16.2% 19.9% 21.8% 17.2% 24.9% 2.85 183,111
2020 16.2% 20.7% 23.1% 21.7% 18.3% 2.95 187,741
2019 14.7% 18.4% 26.6% 19.3% 21.0% 2.87 219,392
2018 14.6% 21.2% 24.9% 15.9% 23.4% 2.88 222,501
2017 13.6% 15.9% 24.8% 20.2% 25.5% 2.72 215,840
2016 14.3% 21.7% 24.9% 15.5% 23.5% 2.88 206,563
2015 13.4% 19.1% 25.2% 18.6% 23.6% 2.80 195,526
2014 14.3% 20.9% 24.5% 17.8% 22.6% 2.86 184,173
2013 12.8% 20.3% 24.8% 18.8% 23.4% 2.80 169,508
2012 12.5% 21.1% 25.6% 18.0% 22.8% 2.83 153,859
2011 12.4% 21.4% 25.0% 17.6% 23.5% 2.82 142,910
2010 12.8% 22.4% 23.5% 18.2% 23.1% 2.84 129,899
2009 12.3% 22.3% 24.2% 19.1% 22.2% 2.83 116,876
2008 12.9% 22.7% 23.7% 18.8% 21.8% 2.86 108,284
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Natural Science

AP Environmental Science

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Environment”, “APES”, or “AP Enviro”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.65

  • Section I is a 90-minute 80-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I is worth 60% of the total score

  • Section II is a 70-minute three (3)-free-response question (FRQ) test

  • Section II is worth 40% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of environmental concepts, processes and problems

  • Must possess mastery of applying quantitative methods, and analyzing data and visual representations to problem-solve

  • Must possess mastery evaluating the relative risks of natural and human-made environmental problems and examine alternative solutions with supporting evidence

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

  • Must understand global sustainability issues

AP Environmental Science Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 8.3% 28.4% 17.0% 26.4% 19.9% 2.79 209,757
2022 8.9% 27.4% 17.5% 25.9% 20.3% 2.79 179,957
2021 7.0% 24.9% 18.5% 27.6% 22.1% 2.67 160,771
2020 11.9% 28.5% 13.0% 25.5% 21.0% 2.85 162,469
2019 9.4% 25.7% 14.1% 25.4% 25.4% 2.68 172,456
2018 8.8% 23.9% 15.0% 25.8% 26.5% 2.63 166,433
2017 9.5% 24.5% 15.4% 24.5% 26.2% 2.67 159,578
2016 7.6% 23.2% 14.8% 25.8% 28.6% 2.55 149,096
2015 7.7% 24.2% 15.1% 25.4% 27.6% 2.59 138,703
2014 8.3% 23.6% 15.3% 25.5% 27.2% 2.60 130,321
2013 8.0% 23.4% 16.8% 25.4% 26.5% 2.61 118,288
2012 8.9% 24.9% 16.6% 24.3% 25.3% 2.68 108,839
2011 8.9% 24.8% 15.6% 24.9% 25.8% 2.66 98,959
2010 10.4% 22.6% 17.0% 18.1% 32.0% 2.61 86,650
2009 10.4% 20.7% 18.9% 18.5% 31.5% 2.60 73,575
2008 11.7% 24.3% 17.6% 17.3% 29.1% 2.72 61,380
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Politics

AP Comparative Government and Politics

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Comp Govt”, “AP CompGov”, or “AP CoGo”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 3.08

  • Section I is a 60-minute 55-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I MCQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Section II is a 90-minute four (4)-free-response question (FRQ) test and includes an essay

  • Section II FRQ test is worth 50% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of the political, social, economic and cultural structures of six (6) countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and the United Kingdom

  • Prior knowledge of the political, social, economic and cultural structures of the United States is very helpful

  • Must possess mastery of power, public policy and citizen influence

  • Must possess mastery of international laws and policies

  • Sharp debate skills and counterargument skills are strongly recommended

  • Must possess mastery of reading, writing and critical thinking skills

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP Comparative Government and Politics Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 16.4% 23.2% 31.2% 16.2% 13.0% 3.14 23,611
2022 15.9% 24.3% 30.3% 16.7% 12.9% 3.14 20,949
2021 16.6% 24.5% 30.7% 14.9% 13.3% 3.16 19,292
2020 24.4% 27.4% 18.4% 17.3% 12.5% 3.34 22,051
2019 22.4% 24.4% 19.2% 18.7% 15.3% 3.20 23,522
2018 21.1% 22.6% 19.6% 20.6% 16.1% 3.12 24,675
2017 23.2% 24.5% 20.4% 17.8% 14.1% 3.25 22,404
2016 20.5% 21.2% 20.4% 21.5% 16.4% 3.08 22,001
2015 15.1% 19.9% 21.7% 22.8% 20.5% 2.86 21,367
2014 19.7% 23.7% 18.7% 21.9% 16.1% 3.09 20,361
2013 18.9% 21.2% 19.7% 22.8% 17.4% 3.01 20,317
2012 19.3% 23.9% 18.6% 20.7% 17.5% 3.07 18,402
2011 17.4% 21.9% 20.4% 21.4% 18.9% 2.97 17,111
2010 18.1% 20.4% 21.1% 22.5% 17.9% 2.98 16,864
2009 19.8% 21.3% 20.9% 20.6% 17.4% 3.06 14,728
2008 19.6% 21.0% 20.4% 20.9% 18.2% 3.03 13,840
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

 

AP United States Government and Politics Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 12.8% 11.3% 25.1% 24.0% 26.8% 2.59 329,132
2022 12.0% 10.9% 25.8% 25.7% 25.7% 2.58 298,118
2021 12.0% 11.6% 26.9% 25.8% 23.8% 2.62 283,353
2020 15.5% 16.5% 25.5% 22.0% 20.5% 2.85 292,196
2019 12.9% 12.4% 29.8% 24.8% 20.1% 2.73 314,825
2018 13.3% 13.3% 26.4% 24.4% 22.6% 2.70 326,392
2017 11.1% 12.4% 25.7% 24.6% 26.1% 2.58 319,612
2016 12.3% 13.5% 24.9% 24.0% 25.2% 2.64 296,108
2015 9.7% 13.5% 24.7% 25.0% 27.0% 2.54 282,571
2014 11.9% 12.5% 26.4% 24.7% 24.6% 2.62 271,043
2013 11.3% 14.3% 26.1% 24.8% 23.5% 2.65 255,758
2012 12.5% 14.9% 24.8% 24.5% 23.3% 2.69 239,513
2011 12.6% 13.9% 25.1% 24.3% 24.1% 2.67 225,837
2010 12.5% 13.3% 25.4% 24.0% 24.7% 2.65 211,681
2009 13.1% 17.0% 25.4% 24.2% 20.3% 2.78 189,998
2008 12.1% 13.1% 25.2% 25.8% 23.7% 2.64 117,522
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Social Science

AP Macroeconomics

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Macro”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 2.87

  • Section I is a 70-minute 60-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I MCQ test is worth 66% of the total score

  • Section II is a 60-minute three (3)-free-response question (FRQ) test (includes 15-minute reading period before writing)

  • Section II FRQ test is worth 33% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of business cycle and economic indicators

  • Must possess mastery of consequences of government economic policies

  • Must possess mastery of international trade and finance

  • Must possess mastery of reading, writing and critical thinking skills

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

  • Must be able to neatly draw complex graphs with clear labels

AP Macroeconomics Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 17.1% 22.9% 24.7% 21.6% 13.7% 3.08 148,836
2022 16.4% 20.0% 15.4% 15.1% 33.1% 2.71 134,413
2021 18.0% 19.6% 13.7% 15.7% 32.9% 2.74 124,436
2020 19.7% 25.0% 18.5% 16.2% 20.5% 3.07 122,639
2019 19.1% 23.0% 16.9% 14.9% 26.2% 2.94 146,091
2018 19.7% 22.6% 16.2% 16.8% 24.7% 2.96 146,673
2017 17.4% 23.3% 16.9% 15.8% 26.6% 2.89 141,649
2016 17.4% 23.4% 16.1% 17.0% 26.0% 2.89 134,638
2015 15.2% 22.2% 17.1% 17.0% 28.4% 2.79 126,267
2014 16.1% 23.2% 18.5% 17.5% 24.7% 2.89 117,209
2013 14.6% 23.2% 16.6% 19.1% 26.6% 2.80 108,219
2012 13.9% 23.9% 18.0% 17.8% 26.3% 2.81 99,903
2011 13.1% 24.0% 16.7% 18.2% 28.0% 2.76 90,134
2010 14.4% 25.6% 15.2% 16.6% 28.1% 2.82 83,146
2009 15.7% 25.2% 15.8% 16.2% 27.1% 2.86 73,817
2008 14.9% 22.7% 15.2% 19.8% 27.5% 2.78 68,009
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Social Science

AP Microeconomics

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Micro”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 3.13

  • Section I is a 70-minute 60-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I is worth 66% of the total score

  • Section II is a 60-minute three (3)-free-response question (FRQ) test (includes 15-minute reading period before writing)

  • Section II is worth 33% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of supply and demand

  • Must possess mastery of various market structure models

  • Must possess mastery of market failures and government roles

  • Must possess mastery of reading, writing and critical thinking skills

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

  • Must be able to neatly draw complex graphs with clear labels

AP Microeconomics Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 21.3% 26.0% 20.6% 19.9% 12.1% 3.25 94,772
2022 17.7% 22.5% 18.8% 16.9% 24.2% 2.93 84,386
2021 18.5% 24.0% 16.6% 17.0% 23.9% 2.96 80,199
2020 23.3% 29.0% 16.6% 14.2% 16.9% 3.28 82,415
2019 24.3% 28.1% 17.2% 12.0% 18.4% 3.28 91,551
2018 20.9% 27.8% 19.1% 15.4% 16.7% 3.21 90,032
2017 23.5% 28.1% 18.0% 12.0% 18.5% 3.26 87,858
2016 17.8% 27.5% 22.0% 13.7% 19.0% 3.11 82,388
2015 19.1% 28.6% 19.4% 13.8% 19.1% 3.15 78,408
2014 15.9% 28.9% 20.7% 15.5% 18.9% 3.07 74,049
2013 18.1% 28.6% 20.0% 14.9% 18.4% 3.13 67,505
2012 16.6% 28.2% 20.9% 15.8% 18.5% 3.09 62,351
2011 16.1% 26.2% 21.3% 15.6% 20.8% 3.01 56,303
2010 16.6% 27.0% 20.2% 14.8% 21.4% 3.02 51,601
2009 17.9% 27.4% 19.7% 14.6% 20.4% 3.08 46,272
2008 18.1% 26.3% 18.8% 15.2% 21.5% 3.04 41,915
Source: College Board 2008-2023

Social Science

AP Psychology

 
  • Commonly referred to as “AP Psych”

  • Global student AP mean score from 2008 to 2020 is approximately 3.14

  • Section I is a 70-minute 100-multiple-choice question (MCQ) test

  • Section I is worth 66% of the total score

  • Section II is a 50-minute two (2)-free-response question (FRQ) test

  • Section II is worth 33% of the total score

  • Must possess mastery of the scientific studies of human behavior and mental processes

  • Must possess mastery of applying psychological studies to real-life scenarios

  • Must possess mastery of the use of scientific research methods

  • Must possess mastery of understanding and interpreting research data

  • Must possess mastery of reading, writing and critical thinking skills

  • Must possess sharp time management, planning and organization skills

AP Psychology Score Distributions

AP Score Percentages AP Mean Score Global Students
Year 5 4 3 2 1
2023 16.9% 23.2% 19.5% 12.4% 28.0% 2.89 321,329
2022 17.0% 22.2% 19.1% 13.1% 28.5% 2.86 292,501
2021 14.1% 21.2% 18.0% 15.2% 31.5% 2.71 288,511
2020 22.4% 25.4% 23.5% 9.6% 19.1% 3.22 295,621
2019 20.5% 25.3% 18.7% 13.5% 22.0% 3.09 311,215
2018 21.2% 26.3% 18.1% 14.5% 19.9% 3.14 311,759
2017 19.1% 25.1% 20.0% 14.6% 21.2% 3.06 302,369
2016 19.1% 26.1% 19.1% 14.2% 21.6% 3.07 293,350
2015 20.1% 26.2% 19.8% 13.1% 20.7% 3.12 276,971
2014 18.7% 26.9% 19.9% 13.5% 20.9% 3.09 259,789
2013 21.2% 26.6% 19.5% 13.0% 19.7% 3.17 238,962
2012 20.7% 26.0% 19.4% 13.5% 20.3% 3.13 220,361
2011 20.1% 26.3% 19.8% 12.9% 14.9% 3.24 197,719
2010 19.6% 26.6% 20.0% 12.7% 21.1% 3.11 177,708
2009 22.8% 26.9% 19.0% 11.9% 29.4% 3.22 151,006
2008 19.2% 27.5% 20.1% 13.4% 19.9% 3.13 132,728
Source: College Board 2008-2023