Understanding Your APUSH Score
AP scores are reported on a scale from 1 to 5. Colleges use these scores to determine course credit and placement. A score of 3 or higher is generally considered "passing" and demonstrates that you are qualified for college-level work.
APUSH Exam Scoring Breakdown
The exam is broken down into four sections. The DBQ holds the most weight for a single written response.
| Section | Max Points (Raw) | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice (MCQ) | 55 | 40% |
| Short Answer (SAQ) | 9* | 20% |
| Document-Based (DBQ) | 7 | 25% |
| Long Essay (LEQ) | 6 | 15% |
*Note: The SAQ section typically consists of 3 scored questions, each worth 3 points.
Estimated Score Conversion
How many total points do you need? This table estimates the composite percentage required for each AP score.
| Composite Score (%) | Estimated AP Score |
|---|---|
| 73% and above | 5 |
| 57–72% | 4 |
| 43–56% | 3 |
| 26–42% | 2 |
| Below 26% | 1 |
Note: Cutoffs vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty determined by the College Board.
APUSH Score Distribution
Is it hard to get a 5? AP US History is known for being a rigorous course. Here is the typical distribution of scores from recent years.
| AP Score | % of Students |
|---|---|
| 5 | 10–15% |
| 4 | ~20% |
| 3 | ~35% |
| 2 | ~25% |
| 1 | ~10% |
College Credit & Placement
Most colleges offer credit for scores of 3 or higher, but competitive universities often require a 4 or 5.
| AP Score | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| 5 | College credit + advanced placement (skips intro history) |
| 4 | College credit at most schools |
| 3 | Credit at many public universities |
| 2–1 | No college credit awarded |
Frequently Asked Questions
More Academic Tools
Explore our complete suite of free calculators and converters
Grade Tools
Disclaimer: This tool is not affiliated with the College Board®. AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.