The AP World History: Modern exam is scored on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Understanding how your raw scores translate to this final score can help you set realistic goals and focus your study efforts effectively.
Exam Structure Overview
The AP World History exam consists of two main sections:
The multiple choice section accounts for 40% of your total score, while all free-response questions combined account for 60%. This means your essay-writing skills are crucial for achieving a high score!
Understanding the Scoring Rubrics
Short Answer Questions (SAQs): Each SAQ is worth 3 points. You must answer questions 1 and 2, then choose between questions 3 and 4. The SAQs test your ability to analyze historical evidence and make connections.
Document-Based Question (DBQ): The DBQ is worth 7 points and requires you to analyze 7 historical documents while constructing a coherent argument. Points are awarded for thesis, contextualization, evidence, analysis, and complexity.
Long Essay Question (LEQ): The LEQ is worth 6 points. You choose one of three prompts covering different time periods. Points are awarded for thesis, contextualization, evidence, analysis, and complexity.
AP Score Conversion
Your raw scores are converted to a composite score, which is then translated to the 1-5 AP scale. The exact cutoffs vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty:
AP Score
Qualification
Approximate Composite %
5
Extremely Well Qualified
73-100%
4
Well Qualified
58-72%
3
Qualified
42-57%
2
Possibly Qualified
27-41%
1
No Recommendation
0-26%
Tips to Maximize Your AP World History Score
Multiple Choice Strategies
Read the question stem carefully – Look for key words like "most," "least," "except," or specific time periods
Use process of elimination – There's no penalty for guessing, so never leave a question blank
Analyze the stimulus materials – Maps, charts, and primary sources contain valuable context clues
Watch for anachronisms – If an answer choice mentions something that didn't exist in the time period, eliminate it
Free Response Success Tips
For SAQs: Answer all parts of each question directly. Use specific historical evidence and keep responses concise but complete.
For the DBQ: Use at least 4 documents for evidence, and try to include outside evidence. Analyze the documents' point of view, purpose, audience, or historical context to earn analysis points.
For the LEQ: Develop a clear, defensible thesis in your introduction. Use specific historical evidence to support your argument and demonstrate complex understanding of the topic.
🎯 Score Goal Setting
Most colleges award credit for scores of 3 or higher, though selective institutions often require a 4 or 5. Check your target schools' AP credit policies to set appropriate goals for your preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides an estimate based on historical scoring guidelines. Actual score cutoffs vary slightly each year based on overall exam performance. Use this as a general guide for your preparation.
Can I still get a 5 if I struggle with essays?
Since free-response sections account for 60% of your score, strong essay performance is important for achieving a 5. However, exceptional multiple choice performance can help offset weaker essays to some degree.
What percentage of students earn each score?
Typically, about 10-15% of students earn a 5, 20-25% earn a 4, 25-30% earn a 3, and the remaining students earn a 2 or 1. These percentages vary by year.
When will I receive my official score?
AP scores are typically released in early July. You can access your scores online through your College Board account.
function calculateAPScore() {
var mcCorrect = parseFloat(document.getElementById("mcCorrect").value);
var saq1 = parseFloat(document.getElementById("saq1").value);
var saq2 = parseFloat(document.getElementById("saq2").value);
var saq3 = parseFloat(document.getElementById("saq3").value);
var dbq = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dbq").value);
var leq = parseFloat(document.getElementById("leq").value);
if (isNaN(mcCorrect) || mcCorrect 55) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of correct multiple choice answers (0-55).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(saq1) || saq1 3) {
alert("Please enter a valid SAQ 1 score (0-3).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(saq2) || saq2 3) {
alert("Please enter a valid SAQ 2 score (0-3).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(saq3) || saq3 3) {
alert("Please enter a valid SAQ 3 score (0-3).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(dbq) || dbq 7) {
alert("Please enter a valid DBQ score (0-7).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(leq) || leq 6) {
alert("Please enter a valid LEQ score (0-6).");
return;
}
var mcMaxPoints = 55;
var mcWeightedScore = (mcCorrect / mcMaxPoints) * 40;
var saqTotal = saq1 + saq2 + saq3;
var saqMaxPoints = 9;
var saqWeighted = (saqTotal / saqMaxPoints) * 20;
var dbqMaxPoints = 7;
var dbqWeighted = (dbq / dbqMaxPoints) * 25;
var leqMaxPoints = 6;
var leqWeighted = (leq / leqMaxPoints) * 15;
var frqWeightedTotal = saqWeighted + dbqWeighted + leqWeighted;
var compositeScore = mcWeightedScore + frqWeightedTotal;
var apScore;
var scoreMeaning;
var scoreClass;
if (compositeScore >= 73) {
apScore = 5;
scoreMeaning = "Extremely Well Qualified – Excellent work!";
scoreClass = "score-5";
} else if (compositeScore >= 58) {
apScore = 4;
scoreMeaning = "Well Qualified – Great job!";
scoreClass = "score-4";
} else if (compositeScore >= 42) {
apScore = 3;
scoreMeaning = "Qualified – You passed!";
scoreClass = "score-3";
} else if (compositeScore >= 27) {
apScore = 2;
scoreMeaning = "Possibly Qualified – Keep studying!";
scoreClass = "score-2";
} else {
apScore = 1;
scoreMeaning = "No Recommendation – More practice needed";
scoreClass = "score-1";
}
document.getElementById("finalScore").textContent = apScore;
document.getElementById("scoreMeaning").textContent = scoreMeaning;
document.getElementById("scoreMeaning").className = "score-meaning " + scoreClass;
document.getElementById("mcRaw").textContent = mcCorrect + " / 55″;
document.getElementById("mcWeighted").textContent = mcWeightedScore.toFixed(1) + " / 40″;
document.getElementById("saqTotal").textContent = saqTotal + " / 9″;
document.getElementById("dbqScore").textContent = dbq + " / 7″;
document.getElementById("leqScore").textContent = leq + " / 6″;
document.getElementById("frqWeighted").textContent = frqWeightedTotal.toFixed(1) + " / 60″;
document.getElementById("compositeScore").textContent = compositeScore.toFixed(1) + " / 100″;
var resultContainer = document.getElementById("resultContainer");
resultContainer.className = "result-container show";
resultContainer.scrollIntoView({ behavior: "smooth", block: "nearest" });
}