How To Improve Your AP Scores

Staring at your AP scores, thinking "I can do better"? It might well be that you can. Whether you're planning a retake, preparing for your official exams after mocks, or want to jump from a 3 to a 4, improving your AP scores is very possible – with the right approach.

This guide breaks down exactly how to improve your AP scores, where students lose points, and what you can do to level up your performance.

Key Takeaways

• AP exams combine multiple-choice and free-response sections, each worth roughly 50% of your final score

• The 2024 mean AP score was 3.12, with over 60% of all exams earning a 3 or higher

• Identifying your weak spot—MCQs, FRQs, timing, or content gaps—helps you focus where it matters

• Different strategies work for different score bands: getting from 2 to 3 needs different tactics than pushing from a 4 to 5

How AP Exams Are Scored

Understanding how your score is calculated helps you know where to improve. First off, you might need advice on how to check your AP scores. Then, there is decoding what they mean. 

The Two Sections

Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) Scored by computer. One point per correct answer. No penalty for wrong answers—never leave blanks. Usually around 50% of your total score (depending on subject).

Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs) Graded by actual teachers using detailed rubrics. Each question has specific points you can earn. Also around 50% of your score (depending on subject).

From Raw Score to Final Score

1. Your MCQ and FRQ points are totalled separately

2. They're combined into a composite score (sometimes with different weightings)

3. Your composite score converts to the 1-5 scale

What scores mean:

• 5: Extremely well qualified (equivalent to A/A+ in college)

• 4: Well qualified (equivalent to A-, B+, or B)

• 3: Qualified (equivalent to B-, C+, or C)

• 2: Possibly qualified

• 1: No recommendation

For more detail, check out our article on how AP exams are scored. 

Where Do Most Students Land?

According to the College Board (opens in a new tab), the 2024 mean score was 3.12. But it varies hugely by subject:

• AP Biology: 64.4% scored 3+, with 16.8% earning a 5

• AP Chemistry: 75.6% scored 3+, with 17.9% earning a 5

• AP Calculus AB: 64.4% scored 3+, with 24.1% earning a 5

• AP US History: 72.2% scored 3+, with 12.8% earning a 5

Source: College Board 2024 AP Score Distributions (opens in a new tab)

If you're sitting on a 2 or 3, thousands of students move up every year. You can too.

What's Holding Your Score Back?

Before you improve, diagnose the problem.

• Content Gaps: Do you sometimes think "we never learnt this"? You need systematic revision of missing topics.

• Timing Issues: Running out of time? You might know the material but can't work fast enough under pressure.

• Careless Mistakes: Losing points on questions you actually know? You're misreading questions or making silly errors.

• Poor Exam Technique: Understanding material but your scores don't reflect it? You need better test-taking strategies.

How Save My Exams Can Help

Target Test Tool: Create custom quizzes on your weakest topics. The system tracks performance and shows exactly what needs work.

Smart Mark Tool: Get detailed breakdowns of what is going well or less well with each question type.

Mock Exams: Take full-length practice exams. See your predicted score and identify whether MCQs or FRQs are dragging you down.

Strategies To Improve Multiple-Choice Performance

Use Active Recall

Reading notes isn't enough. Your brain needs to actively retrieve information. The science shows that this is vital for learning, as our article on active recall explores. 

• What to do: Use flashcards properly. Look at the question, try to recall the answer, then check. Save My Exams has ready-made flashcards for most AP subjects.

Example: For AP Biology, instead of reading about cellular respiration, use flashcards asking "What are the products of glycolysis?" Force yourself to answer first.

Practise Under Timed Conditions

• What to do: Set a timer for the exact exam time. For AP Biology, that's 90 minutes for 60 MCQs—1.5 minutes per question.

• Pro tip: First pass—answer questions you immediately know. Second pass—tackle ones needing calculation. Skip anything taking ages initially to avoid losing out on easy marks.

Learn Question Dissection

AP MCQs test if you can apply concepts, not just memorise facts.

• What to do: Before looking at answers, read the question carefully. Underline key words. Try predicting the answer first.

AP Chemistry example: "A solution has a pH of 11. What is the concentration of OH⁻ ions?"

Think first: pH 11 means pOH is 3. Then [OH⁻] = 10⁻³ M. Now check options—you'll spot the right answer instantly.

Eliminate Wrong Answers

Even if you're unsure, eliminating 2-3 options doubles your chances.

• What to do: Cross out clearly wrong answers. Make an educated guess from what's left. There's no penalty—never leave blanks.

Strategies To Improve Free-Response Answers

Understand Scoring Rubrics

Every FRQ has a detailed rubric showing exactly how points are awarded.

What to do: Get scoring guidelines from past exams and study them. See what earned full points versus partial points.

AP US History example: FRQs asking you to "evaluate the extent" typically award:

• 1 point for a clear thesis

• Points for specific, relevant evidence

• Points for explaining how evidence supports your argument

Forget the thesis? You've already lost a point. Know the rubric.

Plan Before Writing

What to do: Spend 2-3 minutes sketching a quick plan. Jot down key points for AP Biology. Note which formulas you'll need for AP Calculus.

Pro tip: Answer FRQ parts you're most confident about first. You don't have to go in order.

Show Your Work

Especially in maths and science, partial credit saves your score.

What to do:

• Write out every calculation step

• Label final answers clearly

• Include units if asked

• Actually explain your reasoning when asked to "justify"

AP Chemistry example: Don't just write the final molarity. Show:

1. Moles = mass / molar mass = ...

2. Molarity = moles / volume = ...

3. Molarity = X M

Even if you mess up the calculation, you might get method points.

Practise With Past Papers

There's no substitute for doing actual FRQs from previous years.

What to do: Work through past free-response questions. Time yourself. Grade your work using the official rubric.

How often: At least one full FRQ section weekly in the months before the exam.

Tailored Tips by Score Band

From 2 to 3: Building Core Knowledge

• Priority 1: Master fundamentals Focus on major concepts that appear repeatedly. For AP Biology: cell structure, photosynthesis, genetics, evolution. For APUSH: major time periods, key legislation, Supreme Court cases.

• Priority 2: Get exam familiar Take practice tests so the format doesn't surprise you.

• Priority 3: Use study guides Save My Exams' revision notes break down exactly what you need to know for each topic.

Goal: Answer 50-60% of MCQs correctly and earn at least half points on most FRQs.

From 3 to 4: Developing Exam Technique

• Priority 1: Improve timing Take full timed practice tests weekly. Track if you're finishing with time to check work.

• Priority 2: Strengthen weak topics Identify the 2-3 topics dragging your score down and give them more attention.

• Priority 3: Perfect FRQ structure Study high-scoring sample responses. Notice how they're organised and use evidence.

Goal: Aim for 65-75% on MCQs and 70% of FRQ points. Eliminate careless mistakes.

From 4 to 5: Mastery and Precision

• Priority 1: Tackle hardest material Don't avoid complex topics. For AP Calculus, that's perhaps differential equations. For AP Chemistry, possibly thermochemistry or kinetics.

• Priority 2: Perfect accuracy Review every practice mistake obsessively. Why did you miss it? Fix it.

• Priority 3: Maximise FRQ points Study rubrics until you know exactly what every question wants. Practise earning every possible point.

Goal: 80%+ on MCQs and nearly full points on most FRQs to reliably hit a 5.

AP Resources That Can Help

Loved by over 2 million students, teachers and parents, Save My Exams offers tools created by real experts and tailored closely to your syllabus to boost your scores:

• Revision Notes: Comprehensive study guides for every AP topic

• Past Papers: Real exam questions with official scoring guidelines

• Topic Questions: Practise specific weak areas

• Flashcards: Pre-made cards for active recall

• Video Tutorials: Visual explanations for tricky concepts

• Progress Tracking: Know exactly what you have covered over time

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Points Do I Need for a 5?

Typically around 70-75% of available composite points, though it varies by subject. For harder exams like AP Chemistry, the threshold can be as low as 60-65%.

You don't need perfection. Missing 25-30% of points can still earn a 5 on many exams.

Is It Better to Focus on FRQs or MCQs?

Focus on whichever section is weaker. They're typically weighted equally.

Take a practice test and calculate your percentages for each section. If you're scoring 80% on MCQs but 50% on FRQs, spend more time on free-response.

FRQs often offer more room for improvement—learning rubric technique can boost scores faster than mastering every MCQ topic.

Can I Improve My AP Score in a Month?

Yes, with realistic expectations. Moving from 3 to 4 or 4 to 5? Absolutely doable. Moving from 2 to 5? Unlikely in four weeks.

Week 1: Diagnose weaknesses using Target Test.

Weeks 2-3: Focus on your weakest 3-4 topics. Do targeted practice.

Week 4: Take mock exams under full exam conditions. Review FRQ rubrics.

Study schedule: 1-2 hours daily. Quality beats quantity—focused, active practice beats passive reading.

Final Thoughts

Improving your AP score isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter. You now understand how exams are scored, where points are lost, and which strategies work.

Whether you're aiming to move from 2 to 3, 3 to 4, or push for that perfect 5, consistent practice with the right resources is your best bet. Use Save My Exams tools to target weaknesses, track progress, and build confidence.

Thousands of students improve their AP scores every year through retakes or by adjusting their study approach. With focused revision—even just a few weeks of targeted practice—you can join them.

Your AP score doesn't define you, but improving it opens doors. More college credit means fewer courses to pay for. Higher scores strengthen university applications. And the study skills you develop will serve you throughout your academic career.

So grab those practice papers, make a study plan, and get to work. Good luck! 

References

• College Board (opens in a new tab)

• College Board 2024 AP Score Distributions (opens in a new tab)