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APUSH Score Calculator

Predict your AP US History exam score based on the official rubric.

APUSH Score Calculator (AP US History)

Max 55
Max 9 (3 Qs x 3 Pts)
Max 7
Max 6
Estimated AP Score
1
No recommendation (No Credit)
Composite Score:0 / 150

Demystifying the APUSH Curve

The AP US History exam is notoriously one of the most difficult AP tests offered by the College Board. Earning a passing score requires mastering not just multiple-choice facts, but complex historical writing.

Because the exam sections are weighted differently, it can be very difficult to figure out what you actually need to score to get a 3, 4, or 5. Our APUSH Score Calculator does the math for you.

How to calculate your score:

  1. Multiple Choice (MCQ): Enter how many questions you got right out of 55. This section is worth 40% of your total score.
  2. Short Answer (SAQ): Enter your total points out of 9 (There are 3 questions, worth 3 points each). This is worth 20%.
  3. DBQ: Enter your score out of 7 based on the DBQ rubric. This is worth 25%.
  4. LEQ: Enter your score out of 6 based on the LEQ rubric. This is worth 15%.

Play around with the numbers to see where you need to focus your studying. For example, you might realize that perfecting your DBQ thesis is worth more points than cramming for 5 more multiple-choice questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the APUSH exam scored?
The AP US History exam is scored on a curve from 1 to 5. It consists of four sections: Multiple Choice (40% of your score), Short Answer (20%), Document-Based Question (25%), and the Long Essay Question (15%).
Is this calculator accurate for 2024-2025?
Yes. This calculator uses the most recent weighting multipliers released by the College Board. However, because the exact curve changes slightly every single year based on student performance, this should be used as a close estimate, not a guarantee.
What score do I need to get college credit?
Most colleges and universities will grant college credit for an APUSH score of 3, 4, or 5. However, highly selective or Ivy League universities often require a 4 or a 5 to grant credit or allow you to bypass introductory history courses.
What is a Composite Score?
The AP exam uses a complicated weighting system to convert your raw points into a 'Composite Score' out of roughly 150 points. That composite score is then plotted on a bell curve to determine your final 1-5 score.