Ap Comparative Government Score Calculator

AP Comparative Government Score Calculator

Your Estimated AP Score

5

function calculateAPScore() { var mcCorrect = parseFloat(document.getElementById('mcCorrect').value) || 0; var f1 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq1').value) || 0; var f2 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq2').value) || 0; var f3 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq3').value) || 0; var f4 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('frq4').value) || 0; // Validation if (mcCorrect > 55) mcCorrect = 55; if (f1 > 4) f1 = 4; if (f2 > 5) f2 = 5; if (f3 > 5) f3 = 5; if (f4 > 6) f4 = 6; // AP Comp Gov Weighting (50% MCQ, 50% FRQ) // Composite calculation based on typical 100-point scale mapping var mcWeighted = (mcCorrect / 55) * 50; var frqTotalRaw = f1 + f2 + f3 + f4; var frqWeighted = (frqTotalRaw / 20) * 50; var composite = mcWeighted + frqWeighted; var finalScore = 1; var color = "#d93025"; if (composite >= 75) { finalScore = 5; color = "#1e8e3e"; } else if (composite >= 62) { finalScore = 4; color = "#34a853"; } else if (composite >= 48) { finalScore = 3; color = "#f9ab00"; } else if (composite >= 35) { finalScore = 2; color = "#f4b400"; } else { finalScore = 1; color = "#d93025"; } document.getElementById('resultArea').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('scoreDisplay').innerText = finalScore; document.getElementById('scoreDisplay').style.color = color; document.getElementById('compositeText').innerText = "Composite Score: " + composite.toFixed(2) + "% weighted total."; }

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How the AP Comparative Government Exam is Scored

The Advanced Placement (AP) Comparative Government and Politics exam is designed to test your understanding of political institutions, processes, and policies across six core countries: the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Iran, Mexico, and Nigeria. Understanding how the scoring works is the first step toward achieving a 5.

Exam Structure and Weighting

The exam is split into two equal sections, each contributing 50% to your final composite score:

• Section I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): 55 questions in 60 minutes. Every correct answer earns you 1 raw point. There is no penalty for guessing.
• Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQ): 4 questions in 90 minutes.
  • FRQ 1 (Conceptual Analysis): 4 possible points.
  • FRQ 2 (Quantitative Analysis): 5 possible points.
  • FRQ 3 (Comparative Analysis): 5 possible points.
  • FRQ 4 (Argument Essay): 6 possible points.

How to Use This Calculator

This tool uses the standard weighting ratios provided by the College Board. To get an accurate estimate, follow these steps:

1. Enter the number of multiple-choice questions you got right (out of 55).
2. Grade your practice FRQs using official rubrics and enter the scores for each of the four types.
3. The calculator will determine your weighted composite percentage and map it to the historical curves for AP scores 1 through 5.

Scoring Example

Let's say a student achieves the following results:

• MCQ: 42 correct out of 55.
• FRQ 1: 3/4
• FRQ 2: 4/5
• FRQ 3: 4/5
• FRQ 4: 4/6

The total FRQ raw score is 15/20. The calculator converts these into a weighted 100-point scale. In this case, the composite score would be roughly 75.6%, which typically falls into the 5 range.

What is a "Good" Score?

Generally, a score of 3 is considered "passing" and may earn college credit at many institutions. However, top-tier universities often require a 4 or a 5. Because the "curve" changes slightly every year based on the difficulty of the specific exam form, this calculator provides an estimate based on recent historical data averages.

Tips for Success

• Focus on the Essay: The Argument Essay (FRQ 4) is worth the most raw points in the FRQ section. Practice writing clear theses and using evidence from the core countries.
• Master the Vocabulary: AP Comp Gov is heavy on terminology (e.g., illiberal democracy, rentier state, supranational organizations). Mastering these helps significantly on the MCQ.
• Quantitative Skills: Don't ignore FRQ 2. You must be able to interpret charts, graphs, and data tables correctly to get those 5 points.