AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based Score Calculator

Easily and accurately determine your AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam score with examples.com’s simple and efficient score calculator.

How Score is Calculated

The AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam score is calculated based on two main sections: the multiple-choice section and the free-response section. Each section contributes to the overall exam score, which is then converted to the final AP score on a scale of 1 to 5. Here’s a breakdown of how the scoring works:

Multiple-Choice Section

• Number of Questions: 50 questions
• Time: 90 minutes
• Scoring: Each correct answer earns 1 point. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
• Contribution to Final Score: This section accounts for 50% of the overall exam score.

Free-Response Section

• Number of Questions: 5 questions
  • One experimental design question
  • One qualitative/quantitative translation question
  • Three short-answer questions (one of which involves a paragraph-length response)
• Time: 90 minutes
• Scoring: Responses are scored based on a rubric. Each question has specific points allocated for different parts of the response.
• Contribution to Final Score: This section also accounts for 50% of the overall exam score.

Calculating the Final Score

Raw Scores

• Multiple-Choice Section: Add the total points from correct answers in the multiple-choice section.
• Free-Response Section: Sum the points awarded based on the rubric for the free-response questions.

Weighted Scores

• Multiple-Choice Section: Convert the raw score to a weighted score, contributing 50% to the final score.
• Free-Response Section: Convert the raw score to a weighted score, contributing 50% to the final score.

Composite Score

Combine the weighted scores from both sections to get a composite score.

AP Score Conversion

The composite score is then converted to the AP score scale of 1 to 5:

• 5: Extremely well qualified
• 4: Well qualified
• 3: Qualified
• 2: Possibly qualified
• 1: No recommendation

This scaled score is the final AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based score that students receive. The exact conversion from composite score to AP score can vary each year, depending on the exam’s difficulty and the scoring guidelines set by the College Board.

Understanding this scoring process can help you focus your study efforts and better predict your performance on the actual exam.