AP Chemistry/About the AP Chemistry Exam
Advanced Placement exams are created and administered by the College Board, The same organization that does SATs. The AP exam tests your knowledge of a specific subject at the college level. It is scored from one to five, with three usually being the minimum to get college credit. The tests are taken in May, and the scores usually arrive by July.
It is not necessary to take an AP class to take that exam, and vice versa. However, it is a good idea to do so.
Unlike the SAT, AP exams contain open-ended questions in conjunction with multiple choice questions. Before the May 2011 AP exams, points were taken off for incorrect multiple choice answers, but this is no longer done.
The AP Chemistry exam contains two sections.
- A 75 question multiple-choice section that is 90 minutes long.
- An open ended section with six questions. This section is 95 minutes long, and is worth 75 points. It includes two parts (A and B). Part A is 55 minutes long and allows a calculator. It includes 3 questions. Part B is 40 minutes long, includes 3 questions, and does not allow a calculator. Students are allowed to work again on part A if they finish part B early, but they are not allowed to regain access to calculators.
In general, this is how the base score is converted into the final score:
- 101-150 - 5
- 81-100 - 4
- 61-80 - 3
- 41-60 - 2
- 0-40 - 1
What Should I Bring?
editPencils, pens, erasers, calculator, watch that doesn't beep, snacks, water, and tissues. As is with all AP exams, LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AT HOME OR IN CAR.