An AP Exam is sponsored by the College Board with the possibly to earn college credit at nearly every university in the United States. The AP tests are broken down on a 5 point scale. Most schools request that you earn a 3 to either earn credit or be exempt from Political Science 101, but it varies from school-to-school. The numbers on the exam are based on a percentage decided at the grading conference held in June when the written portion is graded. The test is based on 120 cumulative points. The multiple choice section is worth 60 points and there are four essays that are worth roughly 15 points each. Usually, to get a 5 on the exam, you need to achieve a score of 88/120 or greater. A 4 is usually 76/120 or greater, while a 3 is 60/120 or greater. Please be advised that the scores can alternate from year-to-year. Make sure to find out what the school you plan to attend expects on the exam. You may take it numerous times and the schools usually take the higher number.

When does it take place?

May 15, 2012

How is the test broken down?

1. The Multiple-Choice Section
   1. General Information
      1. 60 questions all with 5 options and no “all the above” or “none of the above”
      2. 45 minute time limit
      3. Counts as 50% of the grade
2. The Free- Response Section (short answer questions)
   1. General Information
      1. Four essays/short answer questions
      2. Must answer all four, not given choices
      3. Counts as 50% of your grade
      4. Grading is on a varying point scale
      5. Essays/Short Answers are graded by other AP Government Teachers/College instructors in June
   2. Writing Skills
      1. Knowing content is important
      2. Crisp sentences and paragraphs
      3. Must support examples with evidence and stay on topic
      4. You can bullet your answer, but you must LABEL everything so that the scorers know what they are grading
      5. When writing essays, focus on what the question is asking and refrain from personal opinions

The exam is 2½ hours long.

What is on the test?