AP Physics 2 Score Calculator

How It Works

AP Physics 2 has two parts: Section I (Multiple Choice) with 50 MCQs (including 5 multi-select, aggregated here for simplicity), and Section II (Free Response) with four questions—Experimental Design, Quantitative/Qualitative Translation, and two Short Answers.

Default weights are MCQ 50%, FRQ 50%. You can adjust weights, FRQ totals, and the scoring curve in Advanced Settings.

We compute a weighted raw percentage and map it to a 1–5 estimate using adjustable score bands. The exact AP curve varies each year based on exam difficulty and overall student performance.

Inputs Explained

• MCQ Correct and Total: Enter the number of multiple choice questions you answered correctly out of 50 (default). You can change the total if you used a different practice test.
• Q1 Experimental Design: Enter points earned (0-12 by default) for the experimental design question, which requires designing a procedure to test a hypothesis.
• Q2 Quantitative/Qualitative Translation: Enter points earned (0-12 by default) for the translation question, which involves connecting mathematical and conceptual reasoning.
• Q3 & Q4 Short Answer: Enter points earned (0-7 each by default) for the two short-answer questions, which focus on specific physics concepts or calculations.
• Advanced Settings: Adjust section weights (must sum to 100%), edit per-question totals if your rubric differs, and customize score band thresholds to match a specific curve.

Example Calculation

Let's walk through a sample calculation:

• MCQ: 33 out of 50 → 33 ÷ 50 = 66.0%
• FRQs: 8 + 9 + 5 + 6 = 28 out of 38 → 28 ÷ 38 ≈ 73.7%

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

(0.660 × 0.50) + (0.737 × 0.50) ≈ 0.699 = 69.9%

With the default curve, 69.9% falls into the 60-74% range, yielding an estimated score of 3.

Tips & Notes

• Curves Change Yearly: College Board adjusts the curve annually based on overall performance. Treat this calculator as a study guide, not a prediction of your actual score.
• FRQ Strategy: Define variables clearly, include units and significant figures, show your reasoning step-by-step, and justify model choices (ideal gas, simple harmonic motion, etc.). Small rubric gains can significantly impact your overall estimate.
• Master Key Topics: Practice fluid dynamics (continuity, Bernoulli's), thermodynamics (first and second laws, PV diagrams), electricity and magnetism (circuits, magnetic fields, induction), optics (lenses, mirrors, diffraction), and modern physics (atomic structure, quantum basics, nuclear).
• Draw Diagrams: Always sketch diagrams and annotate assumptions. Label axes, vectors, and forces. Visual representations earn points and clarify your thinking.
• Unit Analysis: Check units throughout your calculations. Dimensional analysis can catch errors and demonstrate understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Educational tool only. Unofficial estimate. Not affiliated with the College Board. This AP Physics 2 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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