APUSH Scoring Explained (2025)

How the AP U.S. History Exam Is Scored

The AP U.S. History (APUSH) exam is not graded like a regular school test. Instead of a simple percentage, your performance in each section is converted into a weighted composite score. That composite score is then mapped to an AP score between 1 and 5.

Understanding this scoring system helps you:

• See which sections matter most for your final score
• Set realistic goals for MCQ, SAQ, DBQ, and LEQ performance
• Use the APUSH score calculator more effectively

This page is based on the official APUSH exam format and typical scoring patterns. Exact cut scores are set by the College Board each year and are not publicly released, so all ranges here are estimates. For score trends over time, see the dedicated APUSH score distribution page.

APUSH Section Weights (2025 Format)

Each part of the APUSH exam contributes a specific percentage to your overall score. Here is the current weighting:

Even though there are four sections, the exam is essentially split into two major halves: MCQ + SAQ (Section I) and DBQ + LEQ (Section II). The APUSH exam score calculator uses these same weights when estimating your composite score. For deeper rubric details, visit the APUSH DBQ rubric and APUSH LEQ rubric pages.

From Raw Scores to Composite Score

First, each section is scored in its own way (raw score). Then those raw scores are converted into a consistent 0–100 scale using the weights above.

Different teachers and prep sites may use slightly different scaling formulas, but the APUSH score calculator on this site follows a simple transparent model that you can easily understand and tweak.

Example: Turning a Practice Test into a Composite Score

Let’s walk through a sample set of scores and see how they become a composite out of 100.

A composite in the low 60s is often in the range of an estimated AP score of 4, depending on the year. For how these composites relate to national results, see APUSH score distribution, and use the APUSH score calculator to automate this math.

From Composite Score to AP Score (1–5)

After composite scores are calculated, the College Board uses statistical analysis (called “equating”) to determine what composite ranges correspond to AP scores of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. These cutoffs can change slightly from year to year.

Online calculators, teachers, and prep sites typically use estimated ranges based on past tests and released data. Here is an example of approximate ranges used by this site:

Remember: these ranges are approximate and can shift slightly each year. The goal is not to guess the exact curve, but to understand whether you are currently in the 2, 3, 4, or 5 range so you can adjust your prep.

How to Use This Scoring Model With Real Score Data

Once you understand how your composite is calculated, the next step is to compare it with how students actually perform nationwide.

The APUSH score distribution page shows what percentage of students earn 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s in recent years. When you combine:

• Your current composite from the calculator
• Estimated cut ranges (like the 3/4/5 bands above)
• Historical score distribution data

…you get a realistic picture of where you stand and how much improvement you need before exam day.

Strategy: Where to Focus for the Biggest Score Jump

Because each section has a different weight, some improvements are “worth” more than others. A small bump in MCQ or DBQ often moves your composite faster than the same gain in another section.

Use your practice results plus this scoring model to create a simple plan: which section will you focus on this week, and how will you measure improvement on your next practice exam? For a ready-made structure, try the 3-month APUSH study plan.