AP US History Score Predictor
Enter your estimated scores for each section to calculate your predicted AP score (1-5).
This is an estimate based on typical scoring curves. Actual scores may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (100+ Questions)
Calculator Accuracy
Our calculator uses the official College Board scoring guidelines and historical data to provide accurate estimates. While we can't guarantee your exact score, our predictions are typically within 1 point of actual results about 85% of the time.
Our calculator uses similar methodology to Albert.io's APUSH score calculator, but is completely free to use without requiring an account. Both tools are based on official College Board scoring worksheets.
We analyze official College Board scoring guidelines, released exam rubrics, and historical score distributions to create our calculator algorithm.
We update our calculator annually to reflect any changes in the APUSH exam format or scoring guidelines.
Yes! Our calculator works perfectly for evaluating your performance on APUSH practice tests to track your progress.
Exam Preparation
Focus on understanding historical themes rather than memorizing facts. Practice writing DBQs and LEQs under timed conditions, and take full-length practice tests regularly. Use our calculator after each practice test to track your progress.
Typically, you'll need about 70-75% of the total points to score a 5. This means you can miss approximately 15-17 multiple choice questions and still earn a 5 if you perform well on the essays.
Popular options include the AMSCO AP US History book, Princeton Review, and Barron's. Check our Resources page for detailed recommendations.
Practice analyzing documents quickly, develop a strong thesis, and work on incorporating outside knowledge. Our Study Guide has specific DBQ strategies.
Ideally, begin serious preparation 2-3 months before the exam, with lighter review throughout the school year. See our Exam Tips for a suggested timeline.
Score Interpretation
5 = Extremely Well Qualified, 4 = Well Qualified, 3 = Qualified, 2 = Possibly Qualified, 1 = No Recommendation. Most colleges grant credit for scores of 3 or higher.
AP scores are typically released in early July each year. You'll be able to view them on the College Board website using your College Board account.
Most colleges accept APUSH scores of 3, 4, or 5 for credit or placement. Check our Score Distribution page for college-specific policies.
The exam has four sections: Multiple Choice (40%), Short Answer (20%), DBQ (25%), and LEQ (15%). These are combined into a composite score that converts to the 1-5 scale.
The national average is typically around 2.7-2.9. About 50-60% of students score a 3 or higher. See our Score Distribution for detailed statistics.
Multiple Choice Strategies
Read questions carefully, eliminate obviously wrong answers first, and pay attention to time period context clues in the questions.
Use official College Board practice questions and take timed sections to build stamina. Review incorrect answers thoroughly.
Aim for about 45 seconds per question to finish with time for review. Some questions will take less time than others.
Yes! There's no penalty for wrong answers, so you should never leave any questions blank.
Periods 6-8 (1865-1980) typically have the heaviest representation, but all periods are covered. See our Study Guide for breakdowns.
Essay Writing
DBQs are scored on thesis, document analysis, outside evidence, sourcing, complexity, and synthesis. Our Study Guide explains the rubric in detail.
A strong thesis is specific, arguable, and addresses all parts of the prompt. It should establish a line of reasoning you'll develop in your essay.
For DBQs, 1-2 pieces of strong outside evidence can earn the point. For LEQs, you'll need several specific examples to support your argument.
Yes! Spend 5-10 minutes planning your essay with a quick outline to organize your thoughts and evidence before writing.
Practice with timed essays, review rubric requirements, and get feedback on your writing. Our Resources page has practice prompts.
Study Resources
Check our Resources page for recommended websites, YouTube channels, and digital tools for APUSH preparation.
Absolutely! Taking full-length, timed practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare. Use our calculator to score your results.
Focus on understanding broader historical trends rather than memorizing dates. Create timelines and use mnemonic devices for important events.
Flashcards can be helpful for key terms, court cases, and important figures. Digital tools like Quizlet work well for this purpose.
In the months before the exam, aim for 3-5 hours of focused study per week, increasing as the exam approaches.