The AP Psychology exam — often called AP Psych — is one of the most popular AP tests offered by the College Board. It measures your understanding of psychological concepts, research methods, and their applications. While the content is less math-heavy than other APs, it requires strong memorization and the ability to apply concepts to real-world examples.
This guide covers:
- AP Psych exam structure
- How the test is scored
- Key topics to review
- Study strategies for success
- Common mistakes to avoid
AP Psych Exam Structure
The AP Psychology exam is 2 hours long and divided into two main sections:
Section I – Multiple Choice
- 100 questions in 70 minutes
- Worth 66.7% of the total score
- Covers a range of psychological theories, experiments, and applications
Section II – Free Response
- 2 questions in 50 minutes
- Worth 33.3% of the total score
- Requires applying psychological concepts to scenarios and interpreting data
How the AP Psych Exam Is Scored
- Section I: 66.7% of total score
- Section II: 33.3% of total score
Free response answers are graded on accuracy, clarity, and use of relevant psychological terms. Your combined score is then converted to the 1–5 AP scale.
Key Topics to Review for AP Psych
The AP Psych curriculum includes:
- Research methods and statistics
- Biological bases of behavior
- Sensation and perception
- Learning and cognition
- Developmental psychology
- Motivation and emotion
- Personality theories
- Psychological disorders
- Treatment of psychological disorders
- Social psychology
You should also be comfortable interpreting graphs, experimental results, and statistical findings in psychological studies.
Study Strategies for AP Psych
- Make flashcards: Memorize key terms, theories, and psychologists.
- Use practice questions: Apply concepts to multiple-choice and FRQ formats.
- Review famous experiments: Understand methodology and findings (e.g., Pavlov, Milgram, Bandura).
- Study in short sessions: Frequent review helps with memorization.
- Relate concepts to real life: This improves retention and application skills.
Test-Day Tips for AP Psych
- Answer every multiple-choice question — there’s no penalty for guessing.
- For FRQs, define terms and connect them directly to the scenario.
- Manage time carefully — spend about 25 minutes per FRQ.
- Avoid vague answers; always use specific examples.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing up similar concepts (e.g., classical vs. operant conditioning)
- Forgetting to define terms in FRQs
- Using everyday definitions instead of psychological definitions
- Ignoring the application part of a question
Why AP Psych Is Worth Taking
AP Psychology can earn you college credit for introductory psychology courses and builds a strong foundation for future studies in social sciences, medicine, and education. It’s also considered one of the more accessible AP courses for first-time AP students.
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Psychology Score Calculator
- AP Psychology Study Guide
- Hardest AP Classes Ranked
- AP Exam Test Strategies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is AP Psych an easy AP class?
A1: It’s generally considered less time-intensive than other APs, but still requires consistent study.
Q2: How should I prepare for AP Psych FRQs?
A2: Define all terms and apply them clearly to the scenario given.
Q3: Do I need to know every experiment in detail?
A3: You should know the main studies, their purpose, methods, and key findings.
Q4: Is AP Psych good for pre-med students?
A4: Yes — it provides useful background in behavioral science and research methods.
Call to Action
🎯 Ready to ace AP Psych?
Use RevisionDojo’s AP Psychology score calculator, FRQ practice, and study guides to prepare effectively and walk into the exam ready for a 5.
