Apcsp Calculator

AP Computer Science Principles (APCSP) Score Calculator

Your Estimated Score:

Weighted Composite Score: / 100

function calculateApcspScore() { var mcq = parseFloat(document.getElementById('mcqScore').value); var cpt = parseFloat(document.getElementById('cptScore').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('scoreResult'); var apFinalDisplay = document.getElementById('apFinalScore'); var compositeDisplay = document.getElementById('compositeScore'); var messageDisplay = document.getElementById('scoreMessage'); // Validation if (isNaN(mcq) || mcq 70) { alert("Please enter a valid MCQ score between 0 and 70."); return; } if (isNaN(cpt) || cpt 6) { alert("Please enter a valid Create Task score between 0 and 6."); return; } // Calculation Logic // MCQ is 70% of total (70 questions = 70 points) // Create Task is 30% of total (6 points scaled to 30) // Composite Score = (MCQ Points) + (CPT Points * 5) var weightedCpt = cpt * 5; var composite = mcq + weightedCpt; var apScore = 1; // Approximated College Board curve (varies slightly by year) if (composite >= 88) { apScore = 5; } else if (composite >= 74) { apScore = 4; } else if (composite >= 60) { apScore = 3; } else if (composite >= 48) { apScore = 2; } else { apScore = 1; } // Update UI apFinalDisplay.innerText = apScore; compositeDisplay.innerText = composite.toFixed(1); var msg = ""; if (apScore === 5) msg = "Excellent! You have a high chance of earning a 5."; else if (apScore === 4) msg = "Great work! This is a solid score for college credit."; else if (apScore === 3) msg = "Good job! You've likely passed the exam."; else msg = "Consider reviewing more practice questions to boost your score."; messageDisplay.innerText = msg; resultDiv.style.display = 'block'; }

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How the AP Computer Science Principles Exam is Scored

The AP Computer Science Principles (APCSP) exam is unique because it combines a traditional end-of-year exam with a digital portfolio project completed during the school year. Understanding how these two parts interact is crucial for students aiming for a score of 4 or 5.

The Two Components

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): This section accounts for 70% of your total score. It consists of 70 questions that test your knowledge of the five Big Ideas: Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computer Systems and Networks, and Impact of Computing.
2. Create Performance Task (CPT): This section accounts for 30% of your total score. You develop a computer program and submit a video and written responses demonstrating your work. It is scored on a rubric of 6 points.

The Mathematical Formula

To calculate your estimated composite score out of 100, use this simple formula:

Total Score = (MCQ Correct) + (Create Task Points × 5)

Because each point on the Create Task is worth 5 "composite points" (6 points total × 5 = 30 points), missing just one point on the project is the equivalent of missing five questions on the multiple-choice exam.

Estimated Score Cutoffs

While the College Board adjusts the "curve" every year, here are the typical composite score ranges required to achieve each AP grade:

AP Score	Composite Range (Out of 100)
5	88 – 100
4	74 – 87
3	60 – 73
2	48 – 59
1	0 – 47

Scoring Examples

Example 1: The Perfectionist
If you get a perfect 6/6 on the Create Task and 60/70 on the MCQ:
(6 × 5) + 60 = 90. Result: AP Score of 5.

Example 2: Strong MCQ, Weak Project
If you get a 3/6 on the Create Task but 65/70 on the MCQ:
(3 × 5) + 65 = 80. Result: AP Score of 4.

Tips for a High Score

• Double-Check the Rubric: The Create Task is graded on specific requirements (Input, List, Procedure, etc.). If you miss one specific requirement, you lose an entire point (5% of your total grade).
• Practice Binary and Logic: Many students struggle with the binary conversion and logic gate questions. These are easy points if you master the basics.
• Vocabulary is Key: Unlike other CS exams, APCSP relies heavily on understanding definitions of terms like "Internet Protocol," "Heuristics," and "Encryption."