Last Updated: January 2, 2025
The AP US History exam consists of two sections. Section 1 includes multiple choice and short answer questions, while Section 2 contains the document-based question (DBQ) and long essay question. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 - 5, with a 5 being the highest possible score.
The scores in this calculator are estimates based on previous scoring curves. The actual scoring curve may vary year to year.
Instructions
Enter your scores for each section using the sliders below to calculate your estimated AP score. For the Short Answer section, you only need to complete 3 out of 4 questions - choose your best score between questions 3 and 4.
Section 1 Part A: Multiple Choice
Section 1 Part B: Short Answer Question 1
Section 1 Part B: Short Answer Question 2
Section 1 Part B: Short Answer Question 3 or 4
Section 2 Part A: Document-based Question
Section 2 Part B: Long Essay Question
PREDICTED AP® SCORE
0 | Score range: 1 - 5
SECTION SCORES
Multiple Choice Score
0 / 52
Free Response Score
0 / 78
Combined Composite Score
0 / 130
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The AP US History exam consists of two main sections with the following structure:
| Section | Part | Question Type | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Part A | Multiple Choice | 55 minutes | 55 questions |
| Part B | Short Answer | 40 minutes | 3 questions | |
| Section 2 | Part A | Document-Based Question (DBQ) | 60 minutes (including 15-minute reading period) | 1 question |
| Part B | Long Essay | 40 minutes | 1 question |
Total exam time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Section 1, Part A (Multiple Choice)
55 questions testing your knowledge of historical events, periods, and themes from 1491 to the present
Questions may include stimulus materials like primary and secondary sources, maps, and images
Each question has 4 answer choices
Section 1, Part B (Short Answer)
3 required questions (choose between questions 3 and 4)
Questions 1 and 2 use primary and secondary sources
Questions 3 and 4 test different time periods without sources
Each response requires brief written answers analyzing historical evidence
Section 2, Part A (Document-Based Question)
Analyze and synthesize historical evidence from 7 provided documents
Develop an argument supported by the documents and your knowledge
Includes 15-minute reading period to analyze documents
Tests your ability to work with primary sources and craft historical arguments
Section 2, Part B (Long Essay)
Choose 1 question from 3 options covering different time periods
Write a well-developed essay with a clear thesis
Support your argument using specific historical evidence
Demonstrate your ability to analyze historical causation and patterns of continuity/change
The AP US History exam uses a weighted scoring system that combines your performance on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. The multiple-choice section accounts for 40% of your score, while the free-response section (including short answer, DBQ, and long essay) makes up 60%.
Your raw scores from each section are converted into a composite score, which is then converted to the final AP score of 1-5. The distribution of scores from the most recent exam was:
| AP US History Score | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| 5 | 12.8% |
| 4 | 33.3% |
| 3 | 26.0% |
| 2 | 19.4% |
| 1 | 8.4% |
A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though many top colleges only award credit for scores of 4 or 5. For college admissions purposes, a 4 or 5 is considered a strong score for most colleges, and for top-20 schools a 5 is very much the norm for admitted students.
To earn a high score (4 or 5), students typically need to demonstrate strong analytical skills, deep historical knowledge, and excellent writing abilities. The DBQ and long essay questions particularly test students' ability to construct well-reasoned arguments using historical evidence.
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