Advanced Placement

AP tutoring, built around the exam itself

Guides to 12 AP subjects — every section and its timing, unit-by-unit exam weighting, the skills and practices each paper assesses, and where the points are actually won — plus personalized coaching all the way to the May exams.

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Sciences, Maths, Economics & English
Unit-by-unit weighting
Free-response coaching

Subject guides

Top AP score

Score most colleges look for

Advanced Placement

How an AP exam is built

Every AP course is a college-level course taught in high school, and every AP exam is published in advance: the College Board states the number of questions, the timing, the weighting of each unit and the skills assessed, before anyone sits it. That makes AP one of the most preparable exams there is.

Two sections

Multiple choice and free response. The split varies: 50/50 in the sciences, 66.65/33.35 in economics, 45/55 in English Language.

Published weightings

Each unit carries a stated share of the exam, given as a range. Knowing which units are worth 20%+ changes how you revise.

Scored 1 to 5

Both sections combine into a single score from 1 to 5. Colleges that award credit usually look for a 3 or higher, and selective ones for a 4 or 5.

Multiple choice vs free response

Where the points are

Two AP students can put in the same hours and score differently because they split their time the way the course is taught rather than the way the exam is weighted. The sciences and maths sit at an even 50/50; economics and psychology are two-thirds multiple choice; English Language is the only one of these where the essays outweigh the multiple choice.

Section weighting by subject

Section I — multiple choice Section II — free response

Biology: 50% / 50%
Chemistry: 50% / 50%
Physics 1: 50% / 50%
Physics 2: 50% / 50%
Physics C: Mech: 50% / 50%
Physics C: E&M: 50% / 50%
Calculus AB/BC: 50% / 50%
Statistics: 50% / 50%
Macroeconomics: 67% / 33%
Microeconomics: 67% / 33%
Psychology: 67% / 33%
English Lang: 45% / 55%

Section weightings as published in each subject's Course and Exam Description, rounded to whole percentages. AP Calculus splits each section again by calculator policy — see its guide below.

Subject guides · Biology, Chemistry and Physics

AP Sciences

Six exams across three subjects. Biology and Chemistry each run their own format; the four Physics exams share one — 42 multiple-choice questions and the same four free-response types in the same order, whether the course is algebra-based or calculus-based.

One free-response pattern across all four Physics exams. Mathematical Routines, Translation Between Representations, Experimental Design and Analysis, and Qualitative/Quantitative Translation — always in that order, always worth 10, 12, 10 and 8 points.

Tap a subject to see its exam structure, unit weighting and exam tips.

Exam at a glance

AP Biology exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	60	50%	90 min
II	Free response	6	50%	90 min

Exam length: 3 hours. A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections.

Units and exam weighting

1. Chemistry of Life: 8–11%
2. Cells: 10–13%
3. Cellular Energetics: 12–16%
4. Cell Communication and Cell Cycle: 10–15%
5. Heredity: 8–11%
6. Gene Expression and Regulation: 12–16%
7. Natural Selection: 13–20%
8. Ecology: 10–15%

Free-response question types

Q1 — Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results (9 pts)
Q2 — Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing (9 pts)
Q3 — Scientific Investigation (4 pts)
Q4 — Conceptual Analysis (4 pts)
Q5 — Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process (4 pts)
Q6 — Analyze Data (4 pts)

Science practices

Concept Explanation — Explaining biological concepts, processes and models.
Visual Representations — Analyzing diagrams and visual models.
Questions and Methods — Identifying testable questions and experimental procedures.
Representing and Describing Data — Reading and describing tables and graphs.
Statistical Tests and Data Analysis — Calculations, confidence intervals and chi-square tests.
Argumentation — Making and justifying claims with evidence.

Exam tips

1Each of the four short-answer FRQs (3–6) targets a different ‘big idea,’ so review across all eight units rather than concentrating on a few.
2For graphing questions, label axes and units correctly first — this is worth dedicated points before any interpretation is credited.
3Practice the ‘describe → explain → predict → justify’ pattern common to FRQ parts A–D; each verb expects a different depth of response.
4Use precise biology vocabulary — vague phrasing is a common way to lose points even when the underlying idea is right.

Exam at a glance

AP Chemistry exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	60	50%	90 min
II	Free response	3 long (10 pts) + 4 short (4 pts)	50%	105 min

Exam length: 3 hours 15 minutes. A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for both sections. A periodic table and formula sheet are provided.

Units and exam weighting

1. Atomic Structure and Properties: 7–9%
2. Compound Structure and Properties: 7–9%
3. Properties of Substances and Mixtures: 18–22%
4. Chemical Reactions: 7–9%
5. Kinetics: 7–9%
6. Thermochemistry: 7–9%
7. Principles of Equilibrium: 7–9%
8. Acids and Bases: 11–15%
9. Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry: 7–9%

Science practices

Models and Representations
Question and Method
Representing Data and Phenomena — Free response only.
Model Analysis
Mathematical Routines — The single largest share of both sections.
Argumentation

Exam tips

1Mathematical Routines carries 35–42% of the multiple-choice section and 43–53% of the free-response section — fluent, careful calculation is the highest-leverage skill to drill.
2Always show substituted numbers and correct units and significant figures — the official task verb ‘Calculate’ explicitly requires this for credit.
3Know where each formula lives on the provided formula sheet before test day — hunting for it costs real time.
4Unit 3 (Properties of Substances and Mixtures) is by far the most heavily weighted unit — prioritize it if time is short.

Exam at a glance

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	42	50%	85 min
II	Free response (4 question types)	4	50%	95 min

Exam length: 3 hours.

Units and exam weighting

1. Kinematics: 10–15%
2. Force and Translational Dynamics: 18–23%
3. Work, Energy, and Power: 18–23%
4. Linear Momentum: 10–15%
5. Torque and Rotational Dynamics: 10–15%
6. Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems: 5–8%
7. Oscillations: 5–8%
8. Fluids: 10–15%

Free-response question types

Mathematical Routines (MR) — 10 pts, ~20–25 min — Derive and calculate, using representations like free-body diagrams to guide the analysis.
Translation Between Representations (TBR) — 12 pts, ~25–30 min — Connect a visual representation, a derived equation, and a graph of the same scenario.
Experimental Design and Analysis (LAB) — 10 pts, ~25–30 min — Design a procedure, then analyze real experimental data with a graph.
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (QQT) — 8 pts, ~15–20 min — Connect a physical claim to its underlying equation and justify it.

Exam tips

1The same four free-response question types (MR, TBR, LAB, QQT) appear in this order on every exam — practicing each type’s specific demands pays off more than generic review.
2On the LAB question, a scientifically sound design (one varied parameter, one measured outcome, appropriate equipment) is graded separately from the data-analysis portion — don’t skip the design half to save time.
3TBR explicitly rewards connecting representations — make sure a diagram, a derived equation, and a sketched graph all tell the same consistent story.
4A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both exam sections — use it to avoid arithmetic slips on multi-step problems.

Exam at a glance

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	42	50%	85 min
II	Free response (4 question types)	4	50%	95 min

Exam length: 3 hours.

Units and exam weighting

9. Thermodynamics: 15–18%
10. Electric Force, Field, and Potential: 15–18%
11. Electric Circuits: 15–18%
12. Magnetism and Electromagnetism: 12–15%
13. Geometric Optics: 12–15%
14. Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics: 12–15%
15. Modern Physics: 12–15%

Units are numbered 9–15 to continue directly from Physics 1’s unit numbering.

Free-response question types

Mathematical Routines (MR) — 10 pts, ~20–25 min — Derive and calculate, using representations like free-body diagrams to guide the analysis.
Translation Between Representations (TBR) — 12 pts, ~25–30 min — Connect a visual representation, a derived equation, and a graph of the same scenario.
Experimental Design and Analysis (LAB) — 10 pts, ~25–30 min — Design a procedure, then analyze real experimental data with a graph.
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (QQT) — 8 pts, ~15–20 min — Connect a physical claim to its underlying equation and justify it.

Exam tips

1The same four free-response question types (MR, TBR, LAB, QQT) appear in this order on every exam — practicing each type’s specific demands pays off more than generic review.
2On the LAB question, a scientifically sound design (one varied parameter, one measured outcome, appropriate equipment) is graded separately from the data-analysis portion — don’t skip the design half to save time.
3TBR explicitly rewards connecting representations — make sure a diagram, a derived equation, and a sketched graph all tell the same consistent story.
4A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both exam sections — use it to avoid arithmetic slips on multi-step problems.

Exam at a glance

AP Physics C: Mechanics exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	42	50%	85 min
II	Free response (4 question types)	4	50%	95 min

Exam length: 3 hours.

Units and exam weighting

1. Kinematics: 10–15%
2. Force and Translational Dynamics: 20–25%
3. Work, Energy, and Power: 15–25%
4. Linear Momentum: 10–20%
5. Torque and Rotational Dynamics: 10–15%
6. Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems: 10–15%
7. Oscillations: 10–15%

Free-response question types

Mathematical Routines (MR) — 10 pts, ~20–25 min — Derive and calculate, using representations like free-body diagrams to guide the analysis.
Translation Between Representations (TBR) — 12 pts, ~25–30 min — Connect a visual representation, a derived equation, and a graph of the same scenario.
Experimental Design and Analysis (LAB) — 10 pts, ~25–30 min — Design a procedure, then analyze real experimental data with a graph.
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (QQT) — 8 pts, ~15–20 min — Connect a physical claim to its underlying equation and justify it.

Exam tips

1The same four free-response question types (MR, TBR, LAB, QQT) appear in this order on every exam — practicing each type’s specific demands pays off more than generic review.
2On the LAB question, a scientifically sound design (one varied parameter, one measured outcome, appropriate equipment) is graded separately from the data-analysis portion — don’t skip the design half to save time.
3TBR explicitly rewards connecting representations — make sure a diagram, a derived equation, and a sketched graph all tell the same consistent story.
4A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both exam sections — use it to avoid arithmetic slips on multi-step problems.
5Unlike Physics 1, expect derivatives and integrals used directly in problem-solving (variable-force work, rotational inertia by integration) — keep core calculus skills sharp alongside the physics.

Exam at a glance

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	42	50%	85 min
II	Free response (4 question types)	4	50%	95 min

Exam length: 3 hours.

Units and exam weighting

8. Electric Charges, Fields, and Gauss’s Law: 15–25%
9. Electric Potential: 10–20%
10. Conductors and Capacitors: 10–15%
11. Electric Circuits: 15–25%
12. Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism: 10–20%
13. Electromagnetic Induction: 10–20%

Units are numbered 8–13 to continue directly from Physics C: Mechanics.

Free-response question types

Mathematical Routines (MR) — 10 pts, ~20–25 min — Derive and calculate, using representations like free-body diagrams to guide the analysis.
Translation Between Representations (TBR) — 12 pts, ~25–30 min — Connect a visual representation, a derived equation, and a graph of the same scenario.
Experimental Design and Analysis (LAB) — 10 pts, ~25–30 min — Design a procedure, then analyze real experimental data with a graph.
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (QQT) — 8 pts, ~15–20 min — Connect a physical claim to its underlying equation and justify it.

Exam tips

1The same four free-response question types (MR, TBR, LAB, QQT) appear in this order on every exam — practicing each type’s specific demands pays off more than generic review.
2On the LAB question, a scientifically sound design (one varied parameter, one measured outcome, appropriate equipment) is graded separately from the data-analysis portion — don’t skip the design half to save time.
3TBR explicitly rewards connecting representations — make sure a diagram, a derived equation, and a sketched graph all tell the same consistent story.
4A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both exam sections — use it to avoid arithmetic slips on multi-step problems.
5Calculus-based derivations (integrating a field over a surface for Gauss’s Law, for example) are expected in the MR and TBR questions — practice going from a physical setup straight to an integral, not just a memorized formula.

Subject guides · Calculus and Statistics

AP Mathematics

Calculus and Statistics both split 50/50 between multiple choice and free response, but they treat the calculator very differently: Calculus bans it on two of its four parts, while Statistics expects one throughout.

Tap a subject to see its exam structure, unit weighting and exam tips.

Exam at a glance

AP Calculus AB and BC exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I — Part A	Multiple choice, no calculator	29	35%	62 min
I — Part B	Multiple choice, calculator required	13	15%	38 min
II — Part A	Free response, calculator required	2	16.7%	30 min
II — Part B	Free response, no calculator	4	33.3%	60 min

Both exams run 3 hours 10 minutes with 42 multiple-choice and 6 free-response questions in total. The AB and BC free-response sections share three common questions.

Units and exam weighting

AB BC

1. Limits and Continuity: 10–15% AB
5–10% BC
2. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Rules: 10–15% AB
5–10% BC
3. Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, Inverse: 5–10% AB
5–10% BC
4. Contextual Applications of Differentiation: 10–15% AB
5–10% BC
5. Applying Derivatives to Analyze Functions: 15–20% AB
10–15% BC
6. Integration and Accumulation of Change: 15–20% AB
15–20% BC
7. Differential Equations: 5–10% AB
5–10% BC
8. Applications of Integration: 10–15% AB
5–10% BC
9. Parametric, Polar, Vector-Valued Functions: —
10–15% BC
10. Infinite Sequences and Series: —
15–20% BC

Units 9 and 10 are BC only. Together they are worth up to 35% of the BC exam.

Mathematical practices

1. Implementing Mathematical Processes50–70% MCQ · 35–60% FRQ
2. Connecting Representations15–30% MCQ · 10–20% FRQ
3. Justification10–20% MCQ · 35–60% FRQ
4. Communication and Notationnot assessed MCQ · 10–25% FRQ

Exam tips

1Practice ‘Justification’-style reasoning explicitly — it’s worth as much on the FRQ section as raw computation, and it’s the skill most often left off an otherwise-correct answer.
2For no-calculator sections, keep exact forms (fractions, radicals) rather than estimating decimals unless asked.
3Always present a written expression or equation before evaluating it — credit is given for the setup, not just the final numeric answer.
4BC students: don’t neglect Units 9–10 just because they’re new — together they’re worth up to 35% of the multiple-choice section.

Exam at a glance

AP Statistics exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	42	50%	90 min
II	Free response (4 × 10-pt questions)	4	50%	90 min

Exam length: 3 hours. A graphing calculator with statistical capabilities is expected on both sections; formulas and tables are provided.

Units and exam weighting

1. Exploring One-Variable Data and Collecting Data: 20–30%
2. Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions: 15–25%
3. Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions: 15–25%
4. Inference for Quantitative Data: Means: 10–20%
5. Regression Analysis: 10–20%

Free-response question types

Q1 — Multi-focus on Practices 1 and 2 (12.5%)
Q2 — Multi-focus on Practices 3 and 4 (12.5%)
Q3 — Inference: hypothesis test or confidence interval (12.5%)
Q4 — Multi-focus on Practices 2, 3, and 4 (12.5%)

Statistical practices

Formulate Questions5–10% — Posing a valid, testable investigative question.
Collect Data20–30% — Identifying and justifying data collection and inference methods.
Analyze Data25–35% — Constructing representations and calculating statistics.
Interpret Results25–35% — Describing, comparing, and justifying conclusions.

Exam tips

1Inference questions (hypothesis tests, confidence intervals) always require checking and stating conditions explicitly — skipping this is one of the most common point losses.
2‘Interpret’ answers must stay tied to the real-world context of the problem, not just repeat the statistical definition.
3Practice all four calculator-based procedures (t-tests, chi-square, regression, confidence intervals) until you can execute and report them quickly under time pressure.
4For ‘Compare’ tasks, address shape, center AND spread explicitly — partial comparisons lose credit.

Subject guides · Economics and Psychology

AP Social Sciences

Macroeconomics, Microeconomics and Psychology all weight multiple choice at around two thirds of the exam. The two economics exams share a format, a set of skill categories and most of their exam tips.

Tap a subject to see its exam structure, unit weighting and exam tips.

Exam at a glance

AP Macroeconomics exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	60	66.65%	70 min
II	Free response	1 long (10 pts) + 2 short (5 pts)	33.35%	60 min*

Exam length: 2 hours 10 minutes. *Section II includes a 10-minute reading period. A four-function calculator is allowed on both sections.

Units and exam weighting

1. Basic Economic Concepts: 5–10%
2. Economic Indicators and the Business Cycle: 12–17%
3. National Income and Price Determination: 17–27%
4. Financial Sector: 18–23%
5. Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies: 20–30%
6. Open Economy — International Trade and Finance: 10–13%

Big ideas

Economic Measurements
Markets
Macroeconomic Models
Macroeconomic Policies

Skill categories

Principles and Models — Defining and identifying economic principles and models.
Interpretation — Explaining given economic outcomes and the actions that produce them.
Manipulation — Determining outcomes of specific economic situations using models.
Graphing and Visuals — Drawing, labeling, and using graphs to represent and reason about markets. Free response only.

Exam tips

1Graphs carry 30–50% of free-response points — practice drawing fully and correctly labeled graphs (axes, curves, equilibrium points) until it’s automatic.
2A four-function calculator is allowed on both sections — use it to avoid careless arithmetic errors on numerical-analysis questions.
3For ‘explain’ tasks, state the causal mechanism explicitly (what changes, then what that causes) rather than just naming the outcome.
4On multiple choice, watch for questions that show you a graph or visual directly — these test Skill 4 indirectly even though Skill 4 itself is never assessed via multiple choice.

Exam at a glance

AP Microeconomics exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	60	66.65%	70 min
II	Free response	1 long (10 pts) + 2 short (5 pts)	33.35%	60 min*

Exam length: 2 hours 10 minutes. *Section II includes a 10-minute reading period. A four-function calculator is allowed on both sections.

Units and exam weighting

1. Basic Economic Concepts: 12–15%
2. Supply and Demand: 20–25%
3. Production, Cost, and the Perfect Competition Model: 22–25%
4. Imperfect Competition: 15–22%
5. Factor Markets: 10–13%
6. Market Failure and the Role of Government: 8–13%

Big ideas

Scarcity and Markets
Costs, Benefits, and Marginal Analysis
Production Choices and Behavior
Market Inefficiency and Public Policy

Skill categories

Principles and Models — Defining and identifying economic principles and models.
Interpretation — Explaining given economic outcomes and the actions that produce them.
Manipulation — Determining outcomes of specific economic situations using models.
Graphing and Visuals — Drawing, labeling, and using graphs to represent and reason about markets. Free response only.

Exam tips

1Graphs carry 30–50% of free-response points — practice drawing fully and correctly labeled graphs (axes, curves, equilibrium points) until it’s automatic.
2A four-function calculator is allowed on both sections — use it to avoid careless arithmetic errors on numerical-analysis questions.
3For ‘explain’ tasks, state the causal mechanism explicitly (what changes, then what that causes) rather than just naming the outcome.
4On multiple choice, watch for questions that show you a graph or visual directly — these test Skill 4 indirectly even though Skill 4 itself is never assessed via multiple choice.
5Unit 3 (Production, Cost, and Perfect Competition) is the single most heavily weighted unit — make sure cost curves and the shutdown and break-even points are second nature.

Exam at a glance

AP Psychology exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice	75	66.7%	90 min
II	Free response	2	33.3%	70 min

Exam length: 2 hours 40 minutes.

Units and exam weighting

1. Biological Bases of Behavior: 15–25%
2. Cognition: 15–25%
3. Development and Learning: 15–25%
4. Social Psychology and Personality: 15–25%
5. Mental and Physical Health: 15–25%

All five units carry the same 15–25% range, so no unit can safely be skipped.

Free-response questions

Article Analysis Question (AAQ) — 16.65%, 25 min (incl. 10-min reading) — Interpret a summarized peer-reviewed study — methodology, variables, ethics, and basic statistics.
Evidence-Based Question (EBQ) — 16.65%, 45 min (incl. 15-min reading) — Build a claim using evidence from 3 provided sources plus course knowledge.

Practices

Concept Application~65% of MCQ
Research Methods and Design~25% of MCQ
Data Interpretation~10% of MCQ

All four practices — including Argumentation, which is free-response only — are assessed across the two free-response questions.

Exam tips

1Concept Application dominates the multiple-choice section (~65%) — prioritize being able to apply, not just define, every key term and theory.
2For the AAQ, practice identifying independent and dependent variables and basic statistics (mean, correlation, p-values) quickly from a study summary.
3For the EBQ, explicitly cite each source you use by label and connect it back to your claim — unexplained evidence earns little credit.
4Use the reading periods fully — 10 and 15 minutes respectively are built in specifically for planning before you write.

Subject guides · Language and Composition

AP English

All three essays share one rubric. A defensible thesis, evidence tied to a clear line of reasoning, and command of the rhetorical situation — worth 1, 4 and 1 points respectively on every essay, whichever type it is.

Tap a subject to see its exam structure, unit weighting and exam tips.

Exam at a glance

AP English Language and Composition exam structure, question counts, weighting and timing
Section	Format	Questions	Weighting	Timing
I	Multiple choice (reading + writing)	45	45%	60 min
II	Free response (3 essays)	3	55%	2h 15m*

Exam length: 3 hours 15 minutes. *Section II includes a 15-minute reading period; 40 minutes per essay is recommended.

The eight skill categories pair a reading skill with a writing skill under each of the four big ideas. These weightings apply to the multiple-choice section.

Free-response questions

Q1 — Synthesis (6 pts) — Build an argument using at least 3 of 6 provided sources.
Q2 — Rhetorical Analysis (6 pts) — Analyze a writer’s rhetorical choices in a 600–800 word passage.
Q3 — Argument (6 pts) — Argue a position on a given issue using your own evidence.

Big ideas

Rhetorical Situation
Claims and Evidence
Reasoning and Organization
Style

Exam tips

1Every essay is scored on the same three elements: a defensible thesis, evidence tied to a clear line of reasoning, and command of the rhetorical situation — structure your writing around those three regardless of essay type.
2For the Synthesis essay, cite at least 3 sources explicitly (by name or letter) — fewer than 3 caps the score regardless of essay quality.
3For Rhetorical Analysis, name the specific technique (anaphora, an appeal to ethos) rather than only describing its effect.
4Budget time evenly — 40 minutes per essay leaves little room for a slow start; outline for 2–3 minutes before writing.

AP with KollegePrep

Coaching to the May exams

AP runs to a fixed calendar: one course, one exam, one shot each May. Good tutoring works backwards from that date — covering the heavily weighted units early, then drilling the free-response types the exam actually uses.

Personalized sessions

Built around your AP subjects and the scores you are aiming for.

Experienced teachers

Educators who make sure you understand concepts deeply and perform your best in the exam.

Regular assignments

Practice after each unit, so the whole course is covered steadily before May.

Monthly assessments

Tests and feedback sessions that track progress and keep parents informed.

Recorded lectures

Revisit any concept at your own pace, as often as you need.

Free-response drilling

Practice by question type, in the order the exam asks them, against the timings the CED publishes.

Tell us which AP subjects you are taking and when you sit them. We will plan sessions around exactly what those exams ask for — unit by unit, question type by question type.

Message us

FAQ

AP questions, answered

Every AP exam is scored on a 1 to 5 scale: 5 is extremely well qualified, 4 well qualified, 3 qualified, 2 possibly qualified and 1 no recommendation. The score combines both sections of the exam, which are weighted differently by subject — AP Biology and AP Chemistry split multiple choice and free response 50/50, while AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics weight multiple choice at 66.65%.

Most colleges that award AP credit set the threshold at 3 or higher, and selective institutions often require a 4 or a 5. Policies vary by college and by subject, and some award placement into a higher course rather than credit. Check the credit policy of each college on your list for the specific AP subjects you are taking, since a 3 that earns credit at one university may earn nothing at another.

Twelve AP subjects: Biology, Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, English Language and Composition, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics 1: Algebra-Based, Physics 2: Algebra-Based, Physics C: Mechanics, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Psychology, and Statistics. Each guide lists the exam structure, unit-by-unit weighting, the skills or practices assessed, and exam tips.

They share an exam format — 3 hours 10 minutes, 42 multiple-choice and 6 free-response questions, with three free-response questions common to both. AB covers a single-variable calculus sequence across 8 units. BC covers the same core plus two additional units: parametric, polar and vector-valued functions, and infinite sequences and series. Those two BC-only units are worth up to 35% of the BC exam, so BC is genuinely more content rather than the same content examined harder.

Physics 1 and Physics 2 are algebra-based. Physics 1 covers mechanics and fluids across eight units; Physics 2 continues into thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, waves and modern physics, with units numbered 9 to 15 to follow on directly. Physics C is calculus-based and split into two separate exams, Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism, which expect derivatives and integrals in problem-solving. All four exams share the same shape: 42 multiple-choice questions and four free-response question types (MR, TBR, LAB and QQT) in a fixed order.

It depends on the subject and the section. A four-function, scientific or graphing calculator is allowed throughout AP Biology and the four AP Physics exams. AP Chemistry recommends a scientific or graphing calculator and provides a periodic table and formula sheet. AP Statistics expects a graphing calculator with statistical capabilities on both sections. AP Calculus splits each section by policy: Part A of the multiple choice allows no calculator while Part B requires one, and the reverse applies across the two free-response parts. AP Macroeconomics and Microeconomics allow a four-function calculator on both sections.

It varies by subject and every weighting is published as a range. Some clear priorities: in AP Chemistry, Unit 3 (Properties of Substances and Mixtures) is 18-22%, far ahead of any other unit. In AP Microeconomics, Unit 3 (Production, Cost, and the Perfect Competition Model) is 22-25%. In AP Macroeconomics, Unit 5 (Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies) reaches 30%. AP Psychology is the exception: all five units sit in the same 15-25% band, so none can safely be skipped.

Practice by question type rather than generically, because the types repeat in a fixed order on most exams. The four AP Physics exams always run MR, TBR, LAB then QQT. AP Biology opens with two 9-point experimental-results questions followed by four 4-point questions. AP English Language always asks for Synthesis, Rhetorical Analysis and Argument. Knowing what each type demands, and how long to spend on it, is worth more than extra content review.

Through personalized sessions built around your subjects and the scores you are aiming for, taught by experienced teachers. Regular assignments reinforce each unit, monthly assessments and feedback sessions track progress and keep parents informed, and recorded lectures let you revisit concepts at your own pace. Sessions are planned around the unit weightings and free-response formats of the specific AP exams you are sitting.

Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry through the contact form with the AP subjects you are taking and your exam dates. We will talk through where you are now, what your target scores need, and plan sessions around it.

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12 subjects · Unit-by-unit planning · Free-response coaching

AP tutoring, built around the exam itself

How an AP exam is built

Two sections

Published weightings

Scored 1 to 5

Where the points are

Section weighting by subject

AP Sciences

AP Biology8 unitsAP ScienceA college-level survey of biology spanning molecules to ecosystems, assessed through the six AP Biology science practices across eight units.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Free-response question types

Science practices

Exam tips

AP Chemistry9 unitsAP ScienceA college-level introduction to chemistry organized around nine units, from atomic structure through thermodynamics and electrochemistry, with heavy emphasis on quantitative reasoning.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Science practices

Exam tips

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based8 unitsAP Science · Algebra-basedAn algebra-based introduction to mechanics and fluids — kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillation, and fluids — across eight units.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Free-response question types

Exam tips

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based7 unitsAP Science · Algebra-basedAn algebra-based continuation of Physics 1 — thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, waves, and modern physics — across seven units.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Free-response question types

Exam tips

AP Physics C: Mechanics7 unitsAP Science · Calculus-basedA calculus-based course in classical mechanics — kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, and oscillation — across seven units, for students who have taken or are taking calculus.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Free-response question types

Exam tips

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism6 unitsAP Science · Calculus-basedA calculus-based course in electricity and magnetism — electric fields, potential, circuits, magnetism, and induction — across six units, for students who have taken or are taking calculus.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Free-response question types

Exam tips

AP Mathematics

AP Calculus AB and BC10 unitsAP MathematicsTwo related calculus courses sharing an exam format: AB covers a single-variable calculus sequence in 8 units; BC covers the same core plus 2 additional units — parametric, polar and vector functions, and infinite series.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Mathematical practices

Exam tips

AP Statistics5 unitsAP MathematicsA college-level introduction to data collection, probability, and statistical inference, spanning five units from exploratory data analysis through regression.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Free-response question types

Statistical practices

Exam tips

AP Social Sciences

AP Macroeconomics6 unitsAP Social ScienceA college-level introduction to national economic performance and policy — economic measurement, macroeconomic models, and monetary and fiscal policy — across six units.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Big ideas

Skill categories

Exam tips

AP Microeconomics6 unitsAP Social ScienceA college-level introduction to the decisions of individual consumers, firms, and markets — scarcity, competition, and market failure — across six units.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Big ideas

Skill categories

Exam tips

AP Psychology5 unitsAP Social ScienceA college-level introduction to the systematic study of behavior and mental processes, spanning five units from biological bases of behavior through mental and physical health.

Exam at a glance

Units and exam weighting

Free-response questions

Practices

Exam tips

AP English

AP English Language and Composition8 unitsAP EnglishA college-level course in rhetorical analysis and argumentative writing, assessed through reading and writing skills paired across four big ideas.

Exam at a glance

Skill categories and multiple-choice weighting

Free-response questions

Big ideas

Exam tips

Coaching to the May exams

Personalized sessions

Experienced teachers