AP Physics C: Mechanics Score Calculator
Estimated AP Score
5
Composite Score: 0 / 90
How the AP Physics C: Mechanics Score is Calculated
The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam consists of two sections: Multiple Choice (Section I) and Free Response (Section II). Each section accounts for 50% of your total composite score. To find your final AP grade, the College Board uses a weighted scale to combine these sections into a composite score, usually ranging from 0 to 90 (though specific curves vary by year).
Section I: Multiple Choice
There are 35 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. Each correct answer earns 1 point. There is no penalty for guessing. To reach 45 points (50% of the total), your raw MCQ score is multiplied by 1.2857.
Section II: Free Response
There are 3 questions, each worth 15 points, for a total of 45 raw points. Since this section already totals 45 points, it is usually added directly to the weighted MCQ score to reach a total composite out of 90.
Score Cutoffs (Estimates)
| AP Score | Composite Range (Approx.) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 48 – 90 | Extremely Well Qualified |
| 4 | 36 – 47 | Well Qualified |
| 3 | 29 – 35 | Qualified |
| 2 | 21 – 28 | Possibly Qualified |
| 1 | 0 – 20 | No Recommendation |
Tips for a 5 in AP Physics C: Mechanics
- Master Calculus: Unlike Physics 1, Mechanics requires basic integration and differentiation. Ensure you can handle power rules and separable differential equations.
- Time Management: You only have 45 minutes for 35 MCQs. That is roughly 77 seconds per question. If a problem looks like it requires a page of math, look for a conceptual shortcut.
- Partial Credit: In the FRQs, even if you can't solve part (a), try to use a variable answer for part (b). You can often get "consistency points" even if your previous answer was wrong.
- Unit Consistency: Always check your units. A quick dimensional analysis can save you from selecting the wrong answer in the multiple-choice section.
Realistic Example Calculation
If a student gets 22 questions right on the MCQ and scores 25 points total across the three FRQs:
- Weighted MCQ: 22 × 1.2857 = 28.28
- FRQ Total: 25.00
- Composite Score: 28.28 + 25 = 53.28
- Result: AP Score of 5