Estimate your 1-5 score based on the latest weighting curves.
Section I: Multiple Choice
Section II: Free Response (FRQ)
Composite Score: 0
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How is the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Score Calculated?
The AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam is divided into two equally weighted sections: Multiple Choice (MCQ) and Free Response (FRQ). Understanding how these components combine to form your final score (1-5) is crucial for effective study planning.
1. The Weighted Sections
Multiple Choice (50%): This section consists of 35 questions. Your raw score is simply the number of questions answered correctly. To reach a 50% weighting, your raw score is multiplied by 1.2857.
Free Response (50%): This section consists of 3 questions, each worth 15 points, for a total of 45 raw points. These points are usually added to the weighted MCQ score at a 1.0 ratio.
2. The Composite Score
The maximum composite score is approximately 90 points. The formula used by this calculator is:
While curves vary slightly every year based on exam difficulty, the following thresholds are realistic estimates for the AP Physics C: E&M exam:
Composite Score Range
AP Grade
Recommendation
50 – 90
5
Extremely Well Qualified
38 – 49
4
Well Qualified
31 – 37
3
Qualified
21 – 30
2
Possibly Qualified
0 – 20
1
No Recommendation
Example Calculation
If a student gets 22 questions correct on the MCQ and earns 25 points total across the three FRQs:
Weighted MCQ: 22 × 1.2857 = 28.28
Raw FRQ: 25
Composite: 28.28 + 25 = 53.28
Final Result: 5
function calculateAPScore() {
// Get values
var mcq = parseFloat(document.getElementById("mcq_raw").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;
// Validate ranges
if (mcq > 35) mcq = 35;
if (f1 > 15) f1 = 15;
if (f2 > 15) f2 = 15;
if (f3 > 15) f3 = 15;
// Calculation logic
// Weighting factor for MCQ is 45/35 = 1.2857 to make it out of 45 (total 90)
var weightedMCQ = mcq * 1.285714;
var totalFRQ = f1 + f2 + f3;
var compositeScore = Math.round(weightedMCQ + totalFRQ);
// Determine AP Grade based on typical curve
var grade = 1;
var color = "#e74c3c";
var msg = "";
if (compositeScore >= 50) {
grade = 5;
color = "#27ae60";
msg = "Excellent! You are on track for a 5.";
} else if (compositeScore >= 38) {
grade = 4;
color = "#2ecc71";
msg = "Great job! That's a solid 4.";
} else if (compositeScore >= 31) {
grade = 3;
color = "#f1c40f";
msg = "You've passed! That's a 3.";
} else if (compositeScore >= 21) {
grade = 2;
color = "#e67e22";
msg = "Almost there. Aim for a few more points to reach a 3.";
} else {
grade = 1;
color = "#e74c3c";
msg = "Needs more work. Focus on core E&M concepts.";
}
// Display results
var resultBox = document.getElementById("ap-result-box");
var gradeCircle = document.getElementById("final-grade");
var compDisplay = document.getElementById("composite-display");
var msgDisplay = document.getElementById("grade-message");
resultBox.style.display = "block";
resultBox.style.backgroundColor = "#f0f4f8";
gradeCircle.innerHTML = grade;
gradeCircle.style.backgroundColor = color;
compDisplay.innerHTML = "Estimated Composite Score: " + compositeScore + " / 90″;
msgDisplay.innerHTML = msg;
msgDisplay.style.color = color;
// Smooth scroll to result
resultBox.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}