AP® Physics C: Mechanics Score Calculator

How AP Physics C: Mechanics Score is Calculated

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a college-level course and exam offered by the College Board. The exam score is based on a combination of your performance on multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. Here’s how the scoring works:

1. Multiple-Choice Section

• Number of Questions: 35
• Scoring: Each correct answer earns you one point. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
• Total Points: The multiple-choice section can earn you a maximum of 35 points.

2. Free-Response Section

• Number of Questions: 3
• Scoring: Each free-response question is graded on a scale of 0 to 15 points, totaling up to 45 points for this section.
• Total Points: The free-response section can earn you a maximum of 45 points.

3. Composite Score

Your raw scores from the multiple-choice and free-response sections are combined to form a composite score.

4. Conversion to AP Score

The composite score is then converted to an AP score on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. The exact composite score needed to achieve each AP score can vary slightly from year to year, but generally follows this pattern:

• AP Score of 5: Typically requires a composite score of 65-80 points.
• AP Score of 4: Typically requires a composite score of 50-64 points.
• AP Score of 3: Typically requires a composite score of 35-49 points.
• AP Score of 2: Typically requires a composite score of 20-34 points.
• AP Score of 1: Typically requires a composite score below 20 points.

5. Weighting of Sections

In calculating the final score, both sections (multiple-choice and free-response) are weighted equally. Therefore, the final composite score is a combination of 50% from the multiple-choice section and 50% from the free-response section.

Key Takeaways

• Focus equally on both multiple-choice and free-response sections since they contribute equally to your final score.
• Aim for accuracy in the multiple-choice section, as there’s no penalty for guessing.
• Practice writing clear, concise, and complete responses for the free-response questions to maximize your score in that section.

This method of scoring ensures that students who perform well across both sections have the best chance of achieving a high score on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam.