AP Bio Score Calculator

How It Works

The AP Biology exam consists of two main sections. Section I includes 60 multiple choice questions testing your knowledge of biological concepts, scientific practices, and data analysis. Section II contains 6 free-response questions: 2 long questions worth 10 points each and 4 short questions worth 4 points each, totaling 36 points.

By default, this calculator uses equal weighting: MCQ 50% and FRQ 50%. These weights reflect typical exam structures, though you can customize them in the Advanced Settings panel to match specific practice exams or teacher-provided curves.

The formula calculates each section's percentage (earned ÷ total), applies the weights, sums them to get a weighted raw percentage, then maps that to the 1–5 score bands. The default bands are approximate and not official—actual AP curves vary each year based on overall student performance.

Inputs Explained

• MCQ Correct and Total: Enter the number of multiple choice questions you answered correctly out of the total (typically 60). This section tests your understanding of biological concepts across all units.
• FRQ Questions 1-2 (Long): Input your rubric points earned (0–10) for each long free-response question. These questions typically require detailed explanations, data analysis, and application of multiple biological concepts.
• FRQ Questions 3-6 (Short): Enter points earned (0–4) for each short free-response question. These questions focus on specific skills like experimental design, data interpretation, or concept application.
• FRQ Total: This is automatically calculated as the sum of all your FRQ points. The default maximum is 36 points (2×10 + 4×4).
• Advanced Settings: Adjust section weights (must sum to 100%) or customize the score band thresholds to match a specific curve.

Example Calculation

Let's walk through a sample calculation with these scores:

• MCQ: 41 out of 60 → 41 ÷ 60 ≈ 68.3%
• FRQs: 8 + 7 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 27 out of 36 → 27 ÷ 36 = 75.0%

Using the default weights (MCQ 50%, FRQ 50%), the weighted raw percentage is:

(0.683 × 0.50) + (0.750 × 0.50) ≈ 0.716 = 71.6%

With the default curve, 71.6% falls in the 60–74% band, yielding an estimated score of 3.

Tips & Notes

• Use as a Guide: This calculator provides an estimate for study planning. Real AP curves vary by year, so use this alongside official practice materials.
• Practice with Official Rubrics: Familiarize yourself with the actual AP Biology FRQ rubrics to accurately score your practice responses.
• Adjust to Teacher Curves: If your teacher shares a curve from past exams, use the Advanced Settings to edit the score bands and get a more accurate practice estimate.
• Focus on FRQ Strategy: Notice how your FRQ performance significantly impacts your overall score. Developing strong FRQ skills can be a high-leverage study strategy.
• Sensitivity Analysis: Try adjusting individual FRQ scores in the calculator to see which questions have the most impact on your final score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Educational tool only. Unofficial estimate. Not affiliated with the College Board. This AP Bio Score Calculator is provided for informational and practice purposes. The estimated scores are based on approximate scoring curves that may differ from actual College Board curves, which vary each year. Always refer to your official AP score report for your actual exam results.

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