AP® Biology Score Calculator

How Score is Calculated

The AP Biology exam score is calculated based on the combination of two main sections: the multiple-choice section and the free-response section. Each section contributes to the overall exam score, which is then converted to the final AP score on a scale of 1 to 5. Here’s a breakdown of how the scoring works:

Multiple-Choice Section

• Number of Questions: 60 questions
• Time: 90 minutes
• Scoring: Each correct answer earns 1 point. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
• Contribution to Final Score: This section accounts for 50% of the overall exam score.

Free-Response Section

• Number of Questions: 6 questions
  • 2 long free-response questions
  • 4 short free-response questions
• Time: 90 minutes
• Scoring: Responses are scored based on a rubric. Each question has specific points allocated for different parts of the response.
• Contribution to Final Score: This section also accounts for 50% of the overall exam score.

Calculating the Final Score

1. Raw Scores: Calculate raw scores for each section.
   • Add the total points from correct answers in the multiple-choice section.
   • Sum the points awarded based on the rubric for the free-response questions.
2. Weighted Scores: Convert raw scores to weighted scores.
   • Both sections are weighted equally, contributing 50% each to the final score.
3. Composite Score: Combine the weighted scores from both sections to get a composite score.
4. AP Score Conversion: The composite score is then converted to the AP score scale of 1 to 5:
   • 5: Extremely well qualified
   • 4: Well qualified
   • 3: Qualified
   • 2: Possibly qualified
   • 1: No recommendation

This scaled score is the final AP Biology score that students receive. The exact conversion from composite score to AP score can vary each year, depending on the exam’s difficulty and the scoring guidelines set by the College Board.