AP Macro Exam Score Calculator
Section I: Multiple Choice (MCQ)
Section II: Free Response (FRQ)
How the AP Macroeconomics Exam is Scored
Understanding how the College Board calculates your AP Macroeconomics score is crucial for setting study goals and managing your time during the exam. This calculator uses the standard scoring formula where the multiple-choice section accounts for two-thirds (66.7%) of your total score, and the free-response section accounts for the remaining one-third (33.3%).
The Scoring Formula Breakdown
The exam consists of two main sections that contribute to a maximum composite score of 90 points. Here is exactly how the math works:
- Section I: Multiple Choice (60 Minutes)
There are 60 questions total. Each correct answer is worth 1 raw point. To determine the weighted score for this section, the raw score is typically multiplied by 1.0 (some years vary slightly, but 1.0 is standard). This means the MCQ section contributes up to 60 points toward your composite score. - Section II: Free Response (70 Minutes)
This section contains three questions with a total of 20 raw points available:- Question 1 (Long): 10 points
- Question 2 (Short): 5 points
- Question 3 (Short): 5 points
Composite Score to AP Score Conversion
Once your Weighted MCQ and Weighted FRQ scores are added together, you get a Composite Score ranging from 0 to 90. The College Board uses a curve that varies slightly each year based on exam difficulty. Below is a generalized estimation of score cutoffs based on recent historical data:
| Composite Score Range (approx) | AP Score | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 72 – 90 | 5 | Extremely Well Qualified |
| 58 – 71 | 4 | Well Qualified |
| 49 – 57 | 3 | Qualified |
| 38 – 48 | 2 | Possibly Qualified |
| 0 – 37 | 1 | No Recommendation |
Strategies to Improve Your Score
To achieve a 5 on the AP Macroeconomics exam, you generally need to answer about 75-80% of the questions correctly. Because the Multiple Choice section is worth twice as much as the Free Response section, accuracy on the MCQ is vital.
1. Focus on the Graphs: AP Macro relies heavily on shifting curves. Ensure you can draw and interpret the AD/AS model, Money Market, Loanable Funds Market, and Foreign Exchange Market perfectly for the FRQ section.
2. Manage Time on FRQs: You have a 10-minute reading period. Use this to plan Question 1 (the long essay), which carries the most weight in Section II. Don't leave blank parts; partial credit is often awarded for identifying the correct direction of a shift even if the calculation is slightly off.