What is AP Exam score distribution?

AP Exam score distribution refers to the percentage of students who received each possible score (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) on a particular AP Exam in a given year. This data is incredibly valuable for students and educators as it provides insight into the relative difficulty and performance trends of each exam. Analyzing the AP score distribution can help you gauge how you might perform and set realistic goals. While the official data for 2025 will be released after the exams, you can review data from previous years to identify patterns.

For example, a subject like AP Calculus BC often has a very high percentage of students scoring a 4 or 5 (often over 40% scoring a 5). This isn't necessarily because the exam is "easy," but because the students who self-select to take it are typically exceptionally well-prepared in math. Conversely, a popular and widely taken exam like AP U.S. History often has a more even distribution, with a smaller percentage of top scores and a larger percentage of students scoring in the 2 and 3 range. This reflects the diverse range of academic abilities among the test-takers. You can find this data on the College Board website or through educational research organizations. When looking at score distributions, remember that a score of 3 is considered "qualified" and is the minimum score that many colleges accept for credit. However, for more selective institutions, you may need a 4 or 5 to receive credit. Use this data as one tool among many in your AP preparation strategy, not as a definitive predictor of your own success.